Browsing by Author "Mukuka, Dominic Mulenga."

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Catholic social teaching and the critique of Zambia as a Christian state: from 1991 to 2001.
(2024) Mukuka, Dominic Mulenga.; Kumalo, Simangaliso Raymond.; Denis, Philippe Marie Berthe Raoul.; Denis, Philippe Marie Berthe Raoul
This study delves into the complex relationship between Catholic social teaching and Zambia's declaration as a Christian state. It underscores the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state relations while advocating for constructive dialogue, respect for religious freedom, human dignity: the common good: human rights: participation in economic, political, social an cultural life of society: promotion of peace: solidarity and subsidiarity. The research draws on key encyclicals, such as Mater et Magistra, Pacem in Terris, Dignitatis Humanae (a conciliar document), Populorum Progressio, Octogesima Adveniens, and Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, as essential references for critiquing and engaging with the Christian state declaration. These encyclicals address a wide range of religious, social, political, and ethical issues and offer valuable guidance for the Catholic Church. The research methodology employed is characterized by a case study approach, which is well- suited for exploring the 'how' and 'why' questions and is ideal for interpretive paradigm of investigations. This approach allows for a deep examination of the intricate dynamics at play in the interaction between the Catholic social teaching and Christian state declaration. The study's findings emphasize the necessity of fostering a robust dialogue and debate regarding the Christian state declaration. It stresses the significance of maintaining a clear division between the church and the state relations, while encouraging the church to provide constructive criticism and engage with governance processes. This dialogue is crucial for safeguarding religious freedom, human rights, social justice, and the right to participate in governance. Furthermore, the study highlights the profound influence of the Catholic social teaching on various aspects, including the Christian state declaration, church-state relations, governance, and democratic practices in Zambia. To analyze these findings, a conceptual framework was utilized, incorporating philosophical hermeneutical concepts such as the "Fusion of Horizons" and Wirkungsgeschichte (Effect of History) by Gadamer, as well as the hermeneutical foundation of the "Normativity of the Future" by Bieringer and the "Emphatic Dialogue of Church-State models." These conceptual tools are essential components of the interpretive paradigm, which employs specific criteria, like theme categorization, to evaluate research findings. The interpretive assessment method was employed to thoroughly analyze the literature and data collected. This interpretative paradigm aims to understand phenomena from the participants' perspective rather than that of an objective observer, giving precedence to a subjective viewpoint in comprehending the data. On an axiological level, the interpretive paradigm prioritizes relevance over strict rigor. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between religion, governance, and societal harmony within the context of Zambia. It underscores the potential for the Catholic social teaching to serve as a guiding influence in the country's democratic practices and emphasizes the importance of respectful and constructive interactions between the church and the state to address contemporary challenges. These findings provide a foundational understanding for scholars and advocates interested in the ongoing discourse regarding the Catholic social teaching and its implications for Christian state declaration, church-state relations and democratic governance in Zambia.
A critical review of public-private partnerships in the management of water services delivery : the case of Nelspruit.
(2006) Mukuka, Dominic Mulenga.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study sought to investigate the complexities and challenges posed by the adoption of a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) as a mechanism for delivering services in a South African local government context. The rationale of using PPP is to be effective, efficient, accountable and transparent. The study highlights the post-apartheid government's efforts to transform water services delivery through introducing various policies and legislation in order to provide water services to communities that were previously denied access to reliable and portable water supplies. This study looks at both positive and negative aspects of public service management in general and has identified New Public Management (NPM) as a theory that seeks to address the inadequacies commonly attributed to classic public service management. PPP is an example of emerging model of service delivery from the New Public Management school of thought. New Public Management, the study's adopted theoretical framework, is concerned with reformation in a public sector organization (in this case the local government), so that it can perform effectively and efficiently. Another area of concern in New Public Management is ensuring that the public sector organizations provide decision makers with sound advice on all aspect of policy: conceptualization, review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The research methodology that this study used was a qualitative approach. Secondary sources of data were employed, while the method of data analysis was content analysis. Themes emerging from the data formed the basis for analysis in line with the adopted theoretical framework. The findings were based on the four sets of objectives of the study, using research questions as a guide. The process involved applying New Public Management (NPM) concepts to the case study. An examination of the manner in which networks have been managed in Nelspruit. Also examined is the legislative and policy framework that allowed and accommodated the inclusion and operation of PPP. Opportunities and threats surrounding the Greater Nelspruit Utility Company (GNUC) Concession were also identified. Finally, lessons and implications in the usage of the PPP approach as a mechanism of water services delivery concludes the discussion on the findings.
A theological critique of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and the response of the Roman Catholic Church from 1991-2001.
(2014) Mukuka, Dominic Mulenga.; Hewitt, Roderick Raphael.
This study utilizes theological reflection as a framework to critically engage President Chiluba’s declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation. It explores political and religious factors within the Zambian society that influenced the decision and how it affected the nation from 1991 to 2001. It argues that Frederick Chiluba declared the nation of Zambia to be Christian because of his political and religious convictions that emerged in the 1980s when he embraced a conservative understanding of the Christian faith. Chiluba consistently utilized religious language in his numerous speeches. For instance, when he spoke on behalf of the labour movement (ZCTU), during his speeches in opposition to the former President, Kenneth Kaunda’s one-party rule system, and especially during his campaign when he ran for the office of President of the Republic of Zambia in 1991. The study argues that the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation in 1991 led to several conflicts among the following ecumenical Church organisations: the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Episcopal Conference of Zambia representing the Roman Catholic Church. Disunity existed among Zambian Christians because of dissensions among these three organisations. The Roman Catholic Church, the CCZ, as well as some Evangelical groups supported the declaration but maintained that there should have been a general public consultation before the declaration was embodied in the constitution as the democratic nature of good governance requires that the people are consulted before major constitutional changes are made. The research methodology employed is based on two non-empirical perspectives, namely, a critical literature review and content analysis. The literature review component clarifies and elaborates on various angles of the study using secondary textual data analysis. Content analysis is used for analysing themes that have been identified in the thesis. In conclusion, the study argues that the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation by Frederick Chiluba was rooted more in achieving a political agenda than any religious objectives. Chiluba’s modus operandi was to move the country away from Kenneth Kaunda’s brand of socialism and humanism, and reposition Zambia within the political and economic sphere and influence of the West.