Life in Rhodesia under Smith cannot be compared to life in independent Zimbabwe

Kennedy Mandaza

THE narrative on social media spaces comparing the current Zimbabwe Government with the former evil colonial power led by Ian Smith is desperation at its worst.

Such a narrative is simply what it is; an evil and deliberate attempt to soil and discredit the image of Zanu-PF and the Government of Zimbabwe.

It is baffling, to say the least, that there are people who still have a penchant for the former colonial power and are evasive to the price that was paid for us to attain our independence. The history of Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, is one marked by selflessness and sacrifice culminating in deep transformation, especially in terms of governance, human rights and economic conditions.

Eulogising the colonial era under British rule, where white-minority governance controlled most aspects of black African’s life under the guise of an alternative should be challenged. In this article, I give a snippet of life in Rhodesia during colonial rule compared to life in independent Zimbabwe, focusing on working conditions and land ownership, among other critical aspects.

Under the white-minority government led by Ian Smith, Rhodesia was a deeply segregated society. The country was governed by a white minority, with over 90 percent of the population —comprising black Zimbabweans —excluded from political and economic power. Life for black workers was marked by subjugation and exploitation, particularly in the agricultural sector and white-owned farms.

In Rhodesia, white farmers and companies owned vast swathes of fertile land, employing thousands of black labourers, many of whom lived in deplorable conditions. Black farm workers were subjected to long hours, low wages and a lack of basic rights. Housing was typically rudimentary and living conditions were harsh. In some cases, the workers were paid using food packages such as nyemba (beans) and matemba. A lack of access to quality healthcare and education meant that many workers lived in poverty, perpetuating a cycle of economic disenfranchisement.

In urban areas, while black Zimbabweans worked in mines, factories and as domestic servants, they were restricted by laws that enforced racial segregation in both residential and social spaces. Black workers faced discrimination in wages, with skilled jobs often reserved for white workers. There were areas and shops in towns, which were reserved for the whites and the black African would be arrested for trespassing if they crossed the line. As a result, many black families lived in overcrowded townships, where public services were inadequate and opportunities for upward mobility were limited.

The government of Rhodesia, after declaring independence from Britain, adopted increasingly repressive policies. Human rights were systematically violated, with laws designed to keep black Zimbabweans under control. The Land Apportionment Act of 1930 restricted the majority of the population to poor, arid land, while white settlers controlled the best agricultural land. Racial violence, suppression of political movements and censorship were the norm.

These were the lived realities during the times of Ian Smith, which led to opposition of colonial rule, particularly from the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu), leading to the protracted liberation struggle to extricate the black populace from the clutches of the evil repressive regime.

During this period, large numbers of black Zimbabweans were subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and execution under the state’s oppressive laws.

In contrast, the birth of independent Zimbabwe marked the end of British colonial rule and white-minority governance culminating in great hope —an end to the injustices of the colonial era and a new era of self-governance.

The skewed distribution of land was one of the most significant legacies of colonial Rhodesia. One of the most significant changes post-independence has been an attempt to overhaul the inequities of land ownership. Under colonial rule, white farmers controlled the best agricultural land, while black Zimbabweans were relegated to barren, unproductive regions.

In the 2000s, the fast-track land reform programme sought to transfer land to black Zimbabweans.
Many black farmers benefitted, however, some were ill-equipped to maintain productive farms due to lack of support and training.

Realising that agriculture has always been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, the Zanu-PF Government has placed a strong emphasis on reviving and modernising the sector. The Government’s key priority has been improving food security, which continues to be impacted by recurrent droughts.

The Government’s Command Agriculture, Pfumvudza/Intwasa and Zunde raMambo/Isiphala seNkosi programmes were initiated to provide support to farmers, particularly in key crops like maize, wheat, and cotton. Through these initiatives, farmers receive inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation equipment.

The programmes have contributed to averting food shortages in the country.

The Zanu-PF Government has introduced policies aimed at modernising the agricultural sector, including the promotion of mechanisation, irrigation, and climate-smart farming techniques. Additionally, the government has made efforts to attract foreign investment in agriculture, focusing on agro-processing industries that can help reduce the country’s reliance on imports and boost exports.

The results have been promising. While Zimbabwe is still highly dependent on favourable weather conditions, there have been notable improvements in grain production, and the country is now striving to become a net exporter of food once again. Despite challenges such as erratic rainfall and the ongoing effects of climate change, efforts to enhance agricultural resilience continue to grow.

One of the hallmarks of the Zimbabwe government has been an ambitious focus on infrastructure development, a key driver of economic growth and regional integration. Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the Government has launched several major projects aimed at improving Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, including roads, energy and water supply.

The “Smart Cities” initiative has been a notable success, focusing on urban modernisation and the creation of sustainable living spaces. The construction of new roads, such as the Harare-Beitbridge highway, aims to facilitate trade and reduce travel time between Zimbabwe and neighbouring South Africa, which is critical for commerce and regional integration. Furthermore, improvements in rural roads and transportation networks have boosted access to markets, especially for small-scale farmers. The much hyped potholes phenomenon is being addressed under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme instituted as a response to the urgent need to restore and maintain vital transport arteries.

In order to address the country’s chronic electricity shortages and ensure that electricity is accessible to many people not the exclusive few like in the colonial era, the Government has also prioritised energy development, with the expansion of power plants like the Hwange Power Station and plans to increase solar energy production. In water and sanitation, projects such as the Gwayi-Tshangani Dam, Kunzvi Dam and many others, are designed to improve water supply for both industrial and domestic use, with a focus on alleviating the water challenges faced by communities, towns and cities.

While some infrastructure projects have faced delays and financial constraints, the visible progress in the past few years has set a positive tone for the country’s future.

Another significant change under the Zanu-PF Government has been the renewed emphasis on peace, unity and reconciliation. President Mnangagwa’s government has worked hard to address the ethnic and political divisions that have historically marred Zimbabwe’s social fabric, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 political violence and the Gukurahundi of the 1980s. In this regard, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) was established to address historical injustices, promote healing and create a more cohesive society. This initiative is part of a broader vision to ensure national unity, peace,and stability.

Zimbabwe’s economy has long struggled with high inflation, unemployment and a reliance on the informal sector. To ensure inclusivity and sustainability, the Zanu-PF Government has worked to stabilise the economy through a series of monetary and fiscal reforms. These efforts have aimed to tackle hyperinflation, stabilise the local currency and attract investment.

One of the major milestones in economic reform was the reintroduction of the Zimbabwean dollar. The government also adopted stringent fiscal policies to curb inflation, including austerity measures and a crackdown on corruption. Despite some setbacks, such as exchange rate volatility and rising inflation in the short term, there has been progress in stabilising the economy. Growth in sectors such as mining, which continues to be a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings, has supported the recovery.
Additionally, there has been an increasing focus on financial inclusion and digital banking, with mobile money services such as EcoCash providing access to banking services for many Zimbabweans in remote areas. While challenges such as unemployment and low wages remain persistent, these reforms have paved the way for a more diversified economy in the future.

In the areas of healthcare and education, Zimbabwe has also made strides, albeit with mixed outcomes. In education, the current government thrust is to invest in the development of schools and training programmes, with a particular emphasis on vocational training and technical education to address the growing need for a skilled workforce. The introduction of the Zimbabwe Education Act, aimed at providing affordable and accessible education for all, has been a step in the right direction.

Technology has become another critical area of development, with the government pushing for increased connectivity and the growth of the digital economy. Efforts to improve internet access and digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, have the potential to empower young Zimbabweans and open up new opportunities for business and innovation.

Despite the progress made under Zanu-PF, challenges remain.

Zimbabwe’s economy remains vulnerable to external shocks, such as fluctuations in global commodity prices and climate change, which disproportionately affect agricultural output. While the government has made notable efforts to stabilise the country, achieving long-term sustainability will require a comprehensive approach to economic diversification and social inclusion.

The challenges that remain are not insurmountable, and do not warrant any right thinking person to compare Zimbabwe’s Zanu-PF Government with the colonial government of Ian Smith’s Rhodesian.

The continued investment in infrastructure, agricultural development, and economic reforms, make Zimbabwe’s trajectory toward recovery and growth promising. As the government continues its mission to rebuild the nation, it is imperative that the momentum of these positive changes be maintained for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.

The journey since 1980 has been one of progress, resilience and transformation. Zimbabwe’s Zanu-PF Government, while still facing numerous obstacles, has demonstrated a commitment to addressing ideals, aspirations and hopes of the liberation struggle and the country’s long-standing issues, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, peace and economic stability. With continued focus on these critical areas, Zimbabwe has the potential to forge a new path towards prosperity — one that draws on its rich resources and hardworking population to create a brighter future for all its citizens.

In the end, social media trolls comparing Zimbabwe’s Government to Ian Smith’s government, should understand and appreciate that life in Zimbabwe has been shaped by its colonial past, and the challenges of the post-independence era have defined its contemporary trajectory. The legacy of inequality, political unrest and economic hardship is a stark reminder that the journey from colonial rule to independence is never linear. Zimbabwe, like many other post-colonial nations, continues to grapple with the consequences of its history as it searches for a more equitable future.

For Zimbabwe, the road to success and inclusive growth is clearly defined and no amount of trolling will deflect the Zimbabwean people from the current economic and social development trajectory.

Kennedy Mapesa Mandaza is an academic with vast experience in the education sector in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United Kingdom. He holds an MSc in Measurement, Assessment and Evaluation, BSc Honours in Science Education and BSc in Mathematics and Statistics. He is contactable on +263777608618 (WhatsApp), +447939434165 or Email: kennedy@mapesafoundation.org. He writes in his personal capacity.