DOI: 10.36347/sjebm.2018.v05i01.011

Pages: 89-95

This qualitative study was based on the use of explanatory case study of one Zimbabwe’s Open and Distance Learning University’s Master of Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution Students to obtain perceptions on how economic disparities between Africans and white settlers were responsible for the end of the policy of reconciliation in Zimbabwe. Sixteen students consisting eight females and eight males were selected on the basis of judgmental sampling. The research data were generated using unstructured interview guide and personal accounts. Data were analysed using conversation analysis. Personal accounts were coded PA1-PA8, while participants were coded P1-P8 in the presentation and discussion of results. Findings were presented descriptively and interpreted with the help of direct quotes. Their presentation was done on the basis of what emerged from the interviews and personal accounts. Key findings included; 1) economic disparities refer to inequalities in the manner people acquire wealth and other enriching resources; 2) economic disparities relate to differential treatment of people of diverse backgrounds according their levels of richness ;3)the policy of reconciliation is about the practice of forgiving and reaching mutual compromise situations between former adversarial parties ;4) economic disparities retard the pace of economic development in a country such that people would end up ununited ;5) economic disparities make people view each other with suscipicion and hatred; and 6) economic disparities are a hindrance to the policy of reconciliation as they destroy the spirit of unity among people.