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Oral history interview with Doris Chitemerere

4 Jan 2019
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00:00 Introduces herself.
00:42 Explains her clan, official surname and why she uses the pseudonym. Describes the royal nature of her clan i.e. chieftainship in Banket and Zvimba.
01:38 Born in Harare at Harare hospital
02:01 Describes her parents, late father and his death. Re-marriage of her mother and the family composition.
02:36 Recounts her childhood; the split between Harare during term-time and Zvimba village during holidays.
04:09 Tells of briefly attending school in the village
05:22 Recounts childhood games
09:35 Migrated to the UK in 1999 leaving her family in Zimbabwe.
10:55 Begins describing the unstable political situation before she left.
[Interview stops so that Doris can attend to her son.]
11:00 Migrates to the UK on a 6 month visa.
12:03 Husband joins her in the UK. Children join their parents.
13:25 Describes the importance of upholding Zimbabwean traditions: ‘I treasure it so much because it’s an identity’.
14:07 Reflects on the difference between growing up in Zimbabwe and the UK.
17:42 Narrates her totem: Gushungo (tsiwo) mangwenya in Ndebele and Ngonya in Shona. Explains the importance: sense of honour (mafaro anofambisa ropa kuti ndakudzwa).
20:38 Hopes for the future
22:38 Tendayi thanks Doris for sharing her reflections.
[Recording ends at the end of the conversation. The women then decide to record further information about specific Zimbabwean traditions.]
22:51 Describes and demonstrates some key Zimbabwean traditions: greetings, the position of women – curtsying (muzura) followed by clapping with palms crossed. Men put their hands together. Some kneel to greet elders etc.
27:29 Begins to discuss traditions around eating.
[Recording ends so that Doris can attend to her son]
27:49 Explains the importance of expressing appreciation, especially of food. Describes foods and customs of gratitude.
31:52 End of recording
Title:
Oral history interview with Doris Chitemerere
Date of work:
4 Jan 2019
Reference number:
GB3228.86/2/6/1
Access restrictions:
Unrestricted24 hours notice is required to view this collection. Material will then be accessible through Manchester Central Library Search Room, Manchester Central Library, St. Peters Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. Any enquiries relating to this collection please contact: rrarchive@manchester.ac.uk
Use restrictions:
Restricted
Language:
English
Record number:
8935902
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