Perceptions on People's Understanding of the Implementation and Feasibility of Security Sector Reforms in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Harare Metropolitan Province

Abstract

The study sought to analyse the perceptions on people’s understanding of implementation and feasibility of Security Sector Reform in Zimbabwe’s Harare Metropolitan Province. In this study 50 respondents were used as the research subjects. They comprised of 10 respondents from the security sector institutions, 20 civil society groups, 5 academics and political analysts, 5 political party representatives, 5 media practitioners and 5 diplomats. Data collection tools such as questionnaires, documentary reviews (to provide information on how Zimbabweans and others perceive SSR), and interviews were used in the study to collect data. The combination of these methods was done to reduce the effect of the weaknesses of each method selected. For instance the questionnaire and documents reviews revealed the trends, while the key informant interviews explained the trends and gave in-depth data.The study showed that people have divergent perceptions on how SSR should be carried out and this can best be explained through the realist and idealist theories. It is argued that realists are concerned in maintaining the security of the state through a strong security apparatus while idealists are interested in the well-being and security of the individual by means of democratizing the security sector to make it more professional and accountable. This study recommends that the security sector should be in a better position to preserve the nation's physical integrity and territory as well as to create a favourable environment for people to interact peacefully and freely. A strong security sector needs democratic control if the security needs of the population are to be met effectively. It is also necessary to depoliticize the security sector institutions. Finally, it is also recommended that further research be undertaken in order to give priority to African views, opinions and interpretations on how best SSR should be carried out on the continent.