Gordon Chavunduka
Zimbabwean sociologist (1931–2013)
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Gordon Lloyd Chavunduka (c.16 August 1931 – 11 January 2013) was a Zimbabwean sociologist and traditional healer.
Gordon Chavunduka | |
|---|---|
| |
| Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe | |
| In office 1992–1996 | |
| Preceded by | Walter Kamba |
| Succeeded by | Graham Hill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 August 1931 |
| Died | 11 January 2013 (aged 81) |
Biography
Chavunduka was an agricultural instructor until he resigned to begin a career in sociology. He then obtained a BA in sociology and social anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a MA in sociology from the Victoria University of Manchester, and a PhD in sociology from the University of London. He became a lecturer in sociology at the University of Rhodesia in 1966.
In 1969, he helped to form the National People's Union and became its first president. It disbanded in 1971 to help form the African National Council, and Chavunduka became its secretary-general. In 1976, he became the head of its research department.
He served as a member of Abel Muzorewa's delegation to the 1979 Lancaster House Conference that led to Zimbabwe's independence.[1] He has published several books on traditional medicine.[2][3][4][5][6]
Prof. Chavunduka was Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe from 1992 to 1996.[7] After his retirement from the university, he served as president of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association.[8] He was a great influence to Christopher Chetsanga.
Death
Chavunduka died on 11 January 2013 at the age of 81 in Harare, after a short illness.[9]
