re: history question for the OT: what was so bad about Rhodesia?

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What do Black Zimbabweans think about Rhodesia?

Most of us were born after independence in 1980 and we are mostly indifferent. Rhodesia existed 40 years ago and our population is mostly young people with a median age of just 18.7. Due to the economic catastrophe of 40 years of Zanu PF rule we all stop and think sometimes but it generally ends there. I will give you 5 perspectives that I believe cover most black Zimbabweans.

The Black Elite - I grew up in these circles. The older generation absolutely despise Rhodesia because of the opportunities that they missed in that era. They have no kind words for Rhodesia and will often have a frosty relationship with Zimbabwean whites. A lot of people in this group took up arms against Rhodesians in the liberation struggle. I was born into the younger generation of the elites although my father was no longer so wealthy by the time I was born. In the younger generation, our opinions are formed forcefully by the older generation. I went to one of the best private schools in Zimbabwe were the white Zimbabweans formerly Rhodesians sent their kids and even though the atmosphere was fairly cordial 75% of the time both sides were firmly entrenched. The black kids hated Rhodesia and the white kids thought Zimbabwe was a failure. There were only about 3 people in the middle in my entire year.

The War Vets - By far the loudest and most vocal group. The Rhodesian army was one of the best in the world and the Selous Scouts were absolutely devastating on the battlefield. The Rhodesians never really lost a battle in the war and they killed the Zanu and Zapu forces by the thousands. The war vets never forgot and they never forgave and their hatred of whites is unyielding to this day. This is the group that actually initiated the farm invasions. They are the loudest on state media but they don’t hold too much sway with the common man anymore.

The average joe - Rhodesia who? Its the economy stupid!! In the daily struggle to survive this group couldn’t care less.

Older rural folk/farmworkers/domestic workers -this group comprises of people who worked closely with the whites in the Rhodesian era and in Zimbabwe. They were considered sellouts due to their Rhodesian sympathies and 20 years ago were the butt of every joke but they have become more vocal in the current economic disasters. These people are very nice to be around but their self-worth and level of progression in life leaves a lot to be desired. This group is sadly dying out.

The minorities - there are some people in the smaller tribes who believe that Zimbabwean Independence was the worst thing ever as it just changed the colour of the colonial master. They do have genuine grievances namely genocide and marginalisation but their extreme approach gives them little support. They prefer Rhodesia but only to spite the current government. (Please note for this group I am only referring to the extreme end)

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