Community mobilisation, volunteerism and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe

This article presents research findings from a study undertaken on civic service in Zimbabwe. The study revealed that civic service was seen as unrewarded effort whose objective it was to assist less fortunate members of society. The study revealed that the typical volunteers in Zimbabwe are poor and struggle to meet their basic needs. Volunteers are largely motivated by their religious faith. Furthermore, voluntarism is an embodiment of the African culture. Whilst organisations do not provide incentives to volunteers as a matter of principle, exceptions have been made in order to address the vulnerability of the volunteers. The article concludes by observing that volunteer programmes are helping to improve the quality of life of vulnerable groups.