Centering African Epistemologies: A Decolonial Approach to Juvenile Recidivism in Zimbabwe and Eswatini

Abstract

Juvenile Recidivism remains a persistent challenge in Zimbabwe and Eswatini and the world at large, with rising cases of children reoffending despite going through rehabilitation to mend their behaviors. This study adopts a decolonial lens exploring the causes of recidivism amongst the juveniles and appreciating the culturally sensitive strategies for reducing the phenomenon. Drawing on indigenous knowledge ways and restorative justice principles, this research investigates the interconnectedness of community participation, social justice and culture. The study utilized a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Juvenile offenders were engaged, the community elders and also professionals such as social workers, psychologists and superintendents from rehabilitation homes who worked with the juvenile offenders in Zimbabwe and Eswatini. Data collected from participants revealed that factors such as; poverty, negative peer influence, mass media, poor parental skills, poor implementation of reforms and substance abuse are causing children to reoffend. The findings highlight the limitations of colonial- era justice systems and the potential of decolonial community interventions to reduce recidivism amongst juveniles.