A representation of Zimbabwe’s socio-political and economic situation in P.O Box TV.: a case study of Anotenga here, Chaunoda chii and Hatiuye ikoko

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of the representation of Zimbabwe’s socio-political and economic climate in P.O Box’s skits entitled Anotenga here? Chaunoda chii? and Hatiuye ikoko! It looks at the background of comedy highlighting how this genre of comedy is different from other comedy genres such as stand-up comedy. The methodology used to obtain data is the qualitative research method. The study also made use of the constructionist approach which examines the way representations are made through dialect, including visual codes. The constructionist perspective views knowledge and truth as that which is generated and not discovered in the mind. Comedy awards us the chance to view life honestly because with comedy we are made to laugh at ourselves regardless of how uncomfortable it is. Through humour, comedians can say anything, even joke about the most sensitive things and evoke laughter to its audience and at the same time enlightening them on the socio-political and economic concerns. The three skits by P.O Box functioned as the main source of information for the investigative part of this study. The analysis brought out themes such as unemployment, poor governance, harsh economic climate and political suppression.