Research Site Anonymity in Context.

This paper utilizes critical theory to interrogate and problematize the practice of anonymising research sites as an ethical imperative. The contributing authors conduct research in and with various communities in southern Africa, position themselves and work from and within diverse areas and specialities of the social sciences. This article is developed from their rich and wide spectrum of field experience with a great diversity of communities, but mainly the poorer, under-resourced, socially and economically marginalized. The authors strongly identify with these communities whose anonymity in published research is seen as marginalizing. Such research sites are places and communities where these researchers grew up and live in, and thus not just as peripheral or 'out there' entities. Therefore, the naming of research sites in this context is deemed as being ethical, out of respect for participants, for a contextually embedded understanding, and for well-targeted interventions and policy influence.

Mapping the role of health professionals in peace promotion within an urban complex emergency: the case of Chegutu, Zimbabwe.

The study sought to establish the role of health professionals in promoting peace through health care using a case study of Chegutu Urban District in Zimbabwe. The participants were drawn from health professionals employed in three council clinics and were interviewed on their views on programmes that promote peace and end violence. Their narratives were thematically presented. Results revealed that although the participants had ideas on how to promote peace through health care, did health education and assisted victims of violence, their programmes were inhibited by several challenges, predominantly related to the state of the Zimbabwean economy. The study recommended a systematic focus on these challenges so that the health professionals can realize their potential. The study also recommended further research into the impact of village health workers in community peace and the use of a multisectoral approach to managing artisanal violence.