Abstract
The crisis of belonging and its effects needs due attention in Zimbabwe, the ‘manmade poverty’ that marginalizes and excludes the ‘minority’ groups. While efforts have been made in different circles to call for the recognition and promotion of the health and well-being of all citizens, the position of the Tonga, located in Mashonaland West province has remained ambiguous. Their position unravels national policies that reflect narrow conception of integration to national resources, entrepreneurship and development. Poverty and alienation is a lived reality exacerbated by harsh climate conditions that affect their minimal agricultural activities. Thus, it has impoverished, disempowered and pushed the Tonga to the margins. Utilizing firsthand experience my argument is that lack of proper educational centers, health facilities and infrastructural development has negatively impacted on the welfare of the Tonga people. I use my personal experience of sharing their lived realities when I was a teacher in the region. An analysis of the Tonga lived realities exposes the failure of the government to integrate the minorities. The paper recommends a holistic approach to fully integrate minorities because the political rhetoric of inclusion has proved to be practically
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