by Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
A few weeks ago, Zimbabweans/Rhodesians were debating across social media platforms, focusing on the contrasting legacies of the Rhodesian and Zimbabwean governments and how they have emerged as a focal point of discussion. While both administrations faced their unique challenges, a critical point of comparison lies in their investment strategies and commitment to national development.
The Rhodesian government, despite its controversial history, notably prioritised the development of its domestic institutions like healthcare, schools, vocational institutions, universities, financial institutions, industries, etc creating a robust foundation that contributed to its successes. In contrast, the current Zimbabwean leadership often seeks educational and medical opportunities abroad for their families, raising questions about their commitment to national improvement.
One of the most significant aspects of the Rhodesian government was its investment in local infrastructure, particularly in education and healthcare. Rhodesia had some of the best medical institutions and educational facilities in the world, developed to serve its population. Schools and universities were established to cater to local needs, ensuring that students received quality education that prepared them for careers in various industries. This focus on local investment created a skilled workforce and fostered a sense of community ownership over public services. Recruiting the best abroad and bringing them to serve in Zimbabwe.
In stark contrast, many Zimbabwean leaders prioritise sending their children abroad for education and healthcare. This trend raises concerns about the long-term implications for the country. By opting for foreign institutions, these leaders inadvertently signal a lack of faith in the local systems that their government oversees. This practice undermines the potential for Zimbabwe to develop its own world-class institutions, as it perpetuates a cycle of underinvestment in local infrastructure.
The idea that Zimbabwean leaders should be required to utilise local services, whether for education or healthcare, could serve as a catalyst for change. If leaders were mandated to have their families educated and treated in Zimbabwe’s government institutions, it would create a direct incentive for improving the quality of these services. Such a policy could lead to increased investments in schools, vocational institutions, universities and hospitals, as leaders would have a vested interest in ensuring these institutions meet high standards.
Moreover, this shift could foster a renewed sense of national pride and responsibility among Zimbabwean citizens. When leaders demonstrate their commitment to local services, it encourages the public to invest in their communities. A collective effort to enhance the quality of education and healthcare could eventually elevate Zimbabwe to the standards once seen in Rhodesia.
The Rhodesian model, despite its flaws, demonstrates the importance of investing in local capacity. By prioritising domestic development, Rhodesia created an environment where its citizens could thrive, both academically and professionally. In contrast, the Zimbabwean leadership’s tendency to look abroad for solutions reflects a disconnection from the realities faced by the average citizen.
For Zimbabwe to reach the heights of development achieved during the Rhodesian era, a fundamental shift in leadership attitudes is necessary. By mandating that leaders invest in and utilise local services, Zimbabwe can cultivate a robust educational and healthcare system. This would not only enhance the quality of life for its citizens but also foster a sense of accountability among those in power. Embracing local investments can ultimately lead to a brighter future for Zimbabwe, aligning it closer to the standards once set by Rhodesia.
With just this analysis Rhodesians were better citizens

Pindula News

Zimbabweans used to debate about Rhodesia and Zimbabwe and how they invest in their countries. Rhodesia invested a lot in education and healthcare, creating good institutions for its people. But now, Zimbabwean leaders send their families abroad for education and healthcare, which is not good for the country. People think leaders should use local services to improve them. If leaders support local institutions, it can make Zimbabwe better like Rhodesia. To make Zimbabwe successful, leaders need to invest in their own country and improve local services.

Rhodesians invested in Rhodesia, Zimbabweans are investing Abroad

Political commentator Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi has joined the debate on social media platforms about the contrasting legacies of the Rhodesian and Zimbabwean governments.
Mutisi said that while both administrations faced unique challenges, a key point of comparison is their investment strategies and commitment to national development. <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/rhodesians-invested-in-rhodesia-zimbabweans-are-investing-abroad/">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
The Rhodesian government, despite its controversial history, notably prioritised the development of its domestic institutions like healthcare, schools, vocational institutions, universities, financial institutions, industries, etc creating a robust foundation that contributed to its successes…
One of the most significant aspects of the Rhodesian government was its investment in local infrastructure, particularly in education and healthcare.
Rhodesia had some of the best medical institutions and educational facilities in the world, developed to serve its population.
Schools and universities were established to cater to local needs, ensuring that students received quality education that prepared them for careers in various industries.
This focus on local investment created a skilled workforce and fostered a sense of community ownership over public services. Recruiting the best abroad and bringing them to serve in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Mutisi pointed out that, in contrast, many Zimbabwean leaders prioritise sending their children abroad for education and healthcare, raising concerns about the long-term implications for the country. He added:
<blockquote>
By opting for foreign institutions, these leaders inadvertently signal a lack of faith in the local systems that their government oversees.
This practice undermines the potential for Zimbabwe to develop its own world-class institutions, as it perpetuates a cycle of underinvestment in local infrastructure.
The idea that Zimbabwean leaders should be required to utilise local services, whether for education or healthcare, could serve as a catalyst for change.
If leaders were mandated to have their families educated and treated in Zimbabwe’s government institutions, it would create a direct incentive for improving the quality of these services.
Such a policy could lead to increased investments in schools, vocational institutions, universities and hospitals, as leaders would have a vested interest in ensuring these institutions meet high standards.
Moreover, this shift could foster a renewed sense of national pride and responsibility among Zimbabwean citizens.
When leaders demonstrate their commitment to local services, it encourages the public to invest in their communities.
A collective effort to enhance the quality of education and healthcare could eventually elevate Zimbabwe to the standards once seen in Rhodesia.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The article talks about how Rhodesia invested in their country, while Zimbabwean leaders choose to send their children abroad for education and healthcare. Rhodesia focused on building local institutions like schools and hospitals, creating a skilled workforce and a sense of community ownership. In contrast, Zimbabwe leaders' lack of faith in local systems undermines potential development. The suggestion is that leaders should use local services to improve them, leading to better investments in education and healthcare. This could bring back national pride and responsibility among citizens, eventually elevating Zimbabwe to the standards of Rhodesia.

"Rhodesians Invested In Rhodesia, Zimbabweans Are Investing In Other Countries"

ZANU PF chief whip and Gutu South MP, Pupurai Togarepi, has called for legislation to make it illegal to celebrate Rhodesia, drawing a parallel to laws in Israel and Germany that prohibit the celebration of the Holocaust.
The Holocaust, which saw the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II, is considered one of history’s most horrific genocides.
While primarily targeting Jews, it also victimized Romani people, the intellectually disabled, political dissidents, and homosexuals.
Togarepi, in a post on X, stated that romanticizing Rhodesia is akin to celebrating Adolf Hitler’s “Final Solution” in Israel, where the genocide of millions of Jews is regarded as an atrocity. He wrote:
<blockquote>
We will propose tough legislation to deal with nostalgic Rhodies: black, white, or pink. The last vestiges of colonialism must be destroyed with the soonest. You can’t celebrate the holocaust in Germany or Israel, so it shall be, no celebration of colonialism in Zimbabwe…
Rhodesia was built on exploitation and exclusion. The economy was for a few whites while Zimbabwe is for the majority.
</blockquote>
Responding to Togarepi, Brian Mari said the black government killed more black people than Rhodesians under Ian Smith. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Iwe @TogarepiPupurai enda undisungirire pawakandisunungura. Ndaiva nane ndiri ipapa. (You, Pupurai Togarepi, go and get me tied at the place where you set me free from. I was better off there.)
I fear mnangagwa than Smith. Gukurahundi killed more blacks than Smith.
CIOs are scary than sellous scouts.
All our life savings were eroded 3 times after your so called independence.
</blockquote>
Togarepi’s remarks come in the wake of a heated debate on X, where Zimbabweans have been comparing life under the current ZANU PF-led government to that of the Ian Smith regime, which governed Rhodesia until its collapse in 1980.
The debate has sparked divided opinions, with some arguing that the Smith administration, despite its white supremacist policies, was more efficient and less corrupt than the current government.
Critics of the current regime point to the deterioration of infrastructure and the ongoing economic struggles, which they claim mirror some of the failures seen under colonial rule.
On the other side, there are those who strongly oppose any romanticization of Rhodesia, highlighting the injustices and racial discrimination that characterized the regime.
Togarepi’s call for legislation against celebrating Rhodesia comes as part of a broader effort to reject any nostalgia for the colonial era and to protect the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
His comments probably reflect ZANU PF’s stance on confronting what they view as efforts to undermine the achievements of independence.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF leader wants a law to ban celebrating Rhodesia because it was a bad time in the past. He compares celebrating Rhodesia to celebrating the Holocaust in Israel and Germany. Some people think Rhodesia was better than the current government, but others disagree, saying Rhodesia was unjust and racist. The leader's comments show a desire to protect Zimbabwe's history and stop people from glorifying the colonial era. There is a debate in Zimbabwe about the past and present governments, with some people wanting to remember the past while others want to move forward.

Pupurai Togarepi Calls For Law To Ban Celebrating Rhodesia

A heated debate has unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) among Zimbabweans, as many have drawn comparisons between the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the infamous Ian Smith-led Rhodesian regime.
Some argue that despite Rhodesia’s deeply entrenched white supremacy, the Ian Smith administration was more efficient and less corrupt than the current ZANU PF-led government.
These critics point out that, even under international sanctions following Rhodesia’s illegal declaration of independence, Smith’s regime invested heavily in infrastructure, leaving behind well-developed roads, hospitals, and schools.
In contrast, they claim that much of this infrastructure has deteriorated under the so-called “New Dispensation.”
However, there are strong voices on the other side, staunchly opposing any romanticization of Rhodesia. 
ZANU PF chief whip and Gutu South MP, Pupurai Togarepi, has even called for legislation to criminalise celebrations of Rhodesia.
Amidst the controversy, former CCC MP Fadzayi Mahere, known for her progressive views, has refrained from directly engaging in the debate.
Yet, she did share a powerful statement on X, saying thousands of Zimbabweans who fought for the country’s liberation did not do so for the ZANU PF elite to merely replace the colonial elite.
Instead, they fought for the collective empowerment of all Zimbabweans, to ensure the fruits of independence were shared by the people. She wrote:
<blockquote>
There is a reason why our esteemed forebears called it a War of Liberation and not a War of Decolonisation. The guiding principle was to free the masses from all forms of repression and not simply to move them from Jail A to Jail B. It is not liberation if one violent oppressor is replaced by another.
Liberation means one man, one vote – not stolen elections.
Liberation means freedom from state-sponsored violence – not replacing a violent Rhodesian Special Branch with your own violent police force.
Liberation means gutsaruzhinji (everyone must eat) – not replacing colonial elites who eat alone with Zanu PF elites who eat alone.
Liberation means respecting the rights and liberties of every citizen – not replacing the repressive Law and Order Maintenance Act with your own repressive POSA or MOPA.
Liberation means ensuring every person has a decent life and equal access to freedom, fairness and opportunity.
The current state of affairs is a slap in the face to our true heroes who fought and lost their lives for the dream of a better Zimbabwe.
You may not respect us, but can you at least respect those who died to destroy what you now represent? It’s a mess. We need new leaders.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans are arguing on X about President Mnangagwa's government and Ian Smith's Rhodesian regime. Some say Smith's regime was better. They built good things. But, others say we shouldn't celebrate Rhodesia. Fadzayi Mahere thinks we need new leaders who care for all Zimbabweans, not just the elite. She says our country's heroes fought for freedom for everyone, not just to replace one oppressor with another. Liberation means everyone should have a good life and equal opportunities. We need leaders who respect the people and the sacrifices made for our country.

Zimbabweans Clash On X Over ZANU PF Rule Vs. Ian Smith's Rhodesia

Philip Moyo, an 81-year-old man from Tsholotsho, recently made returned to Zimbabwe after leaving for South Africa in 1960 and never coming back until now. Moyo, now recovering from malnutrition at Mpilo Central Hospital, claims that he cannot remember much about his life away from home. However, he does recall that Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, used to have a larger population of white people than it does now.
Moyo left his home in Nemane Tsholotsho before Zimbabwe gained its independence and started a family with his wife, who hails from Botswana. He told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/the-mystery-man-who-disappeared-for-61-years/">The Herald</a> that he had a child in Rhodesia, but unfortunately, he cannot remember the name of his girlfriend or the child. His belongings, displayed during the interview, consisted of a black coat, two worn-out wallets containing a few rand and pula coins, and a pair of sunglasses. 
Moyo said his decision to return to Zimbabwe was driven by the desire to visit his surviving relatives in Mpopoma, following the death of his sister. During his time in South Africa, Moyo worked as a domestic worker. He said:
<blockquote>
I was cooking, cleaning and doing menial jobs the whole time and I would get news about my family from people I met in South Africa. I just did not have their phone numbers, but I am aware that many have died including my parents although I know I have a few relatives who can visit me so that at least I reunite with my family.
I have been told that I am in Bulawayo but this place doesn’t look like it, it used to have lots of white people back in Rhodesia and I cannot remember what my home looks like. I never abandoned my family, it was just that I left when I was young and thought I would get established, which also failed.
I need to meet my relatives; I do not have any sort of identification document but phone numbers of my relatives whom I was last in contact with.
Nurses told me they picked me up from Mpopoma and I know that one of my nephews resides there who is alive and he was the one who was supposed to host me while attending my sister’s funeral wake.
</blockquote>
Moyo’s memory has faded over time, and he cannot recall much about his family in Zimbabwe. He only remembers that his father’s name was Sibambosobunyonyo, his mother’s name was Madawu, and his home was near Nemane Primary School in Tsholotsho, in an area called Mandeya.
Sister Norma Mabhena, the public relations officer of Mpilo Central Hospital, said Moyo’s condition has improved compared to three weeks ago when he arrived at the hospital. He spent a week in the casualty ward before being admitted due to his declining health. Mabhena said they are now appealing to the public for any information that could help locate Moyo’s family. Anyone with information about Moyo’s family can contact the hospital at (0292) 214367.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Tsholotsho Man Who Left Home Before Independence Returns

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa saved the new British monarch, King Charles III’s life, from Rhodesians who wanted to kill him during the colonial era.
Posting on Twitter using one of his accounts, Tinoedza Zvimwe, Charamba claimed Mnangagwa was invited to Charles III’s coronation on 06 May 2023 after he saved the latter from assassination by Rhodesians. <a href="https://twitter.com/Tinoedzazvimwe1/status/1657253313618780160?s=20">He wrote:</a>
<blockquote>
Charles, now King Charles III, would have been killed by Rhodesians, except for a tip-off from a Rhodesian intelligence officer to the current President, then as state security minister.
That all explains why ED had to be at King Charles’ coronation, and why relations with the UK are fated for a reset under President ED! Enjoy!
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, some social media users mocked Mnangagwa saying he was snubbed during King Charles III’s coronation in London on Saturday.
However, ZANU PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa said that Mnangagwa was not part of the heads of State and government who had a photo opportunity with King Charles III because Zimbabwe is not a Commonwealth member.
Speaking on the sidelines of the burial of national hero Abraham Kabasa in Harare on Monday, Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>
We are not a member of the Commonwealth, the President is determined that we should be readmitted into the group of nations.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa added that Zimbabwe does not have the right to get close and personal with the king as it is not a Commonwealth member. He said:
<blockquote>
But as for Zimbabwe, we did not have the right because we are not yet a member of the grouping.
When we become a member, we would be part of those who will be close to the king.
We want to engage with countries that we have cordial relationships and re-engage those we have had frosty relationships with in the past.
Our President always says we are friends to all and enemies to none.
We were happy that our President was invited to King Charles III’s coronation.
When he was still a prince, he lowered the Union Jack (British flag) and raised the Zimbabwean flag after we had won the liberation struggle in 1980.
It’s a person who we like a lot and it was imperative for the President to attend.
This shows that the engagement between Harare and London is going in a good direction.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Saved King Charles III’s Life, Claims George Charamba

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa says President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken Zimbabwe back to Rhodesian-era oppression following the conviction of political activist Jacob Ngarivhume on public violence incitement charges.
Chamisa said Ngarivhume’s conviction is a betrayal of the gains of the liberation struggle, namely freedom, choice, and justice.
Posting on Twitter, Chamisa lamented what he described as the weaponisation of the law to punish Government critics. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The Jacob Ngarivhume conviction is a reminder of what’s broken about Zimbabwe. The liberation struggle was about freedom, choice and justice.
It is ridiculous and scandalous that chambers of justice have been turned into chambers of politics and guillotines of justice.
The weaponization of the law against critics is a replica of the Rhodesian regime template of oppression. ED has taken us back to Rhodesian oppression.
It mustn’t be criminal to oppose those who abuse power and authority. Zimbabwe shall be free! We’re fixing all this. Get ready!
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume was on Friday sentenced to four years in jail following his conviction the previous day of public violence incitement charges.
He was convicted by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka after a full trial that lasted almost three years.
Ngarivhume’s defence team led by Lovemore Madhuku said they are going to appeal both the sentence and conviction at the High Court.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Has Taken Zimbabwe Back To Rhodesian Oppression - Chamisa

Outspoken Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) the Zimbabwean government is behaving worse than the Rhodesian regime which allowed relatives and colleagues of political prisoners to visit them in jail.
Mliswa made the remarks after CCC leader Nelson Chamisa was on Thursday barred from seeing jailed Zengesa West MP Job Sikhala and his Chitungwiza North counterpart Godfrey Sithole as well as 14 other CCC activists who are in pre-trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
The blocking of Nelson Chamisa from meeting with Sikhala and others is most unfortunate. We don’t expect such in a liberated country.
Our own liberation fighters when imprisoned by the Rhodesians were allowed visitors.
Why do we have to go so low? We can’t be worse than Rhodesia.
</blockquote>
Chamisa told reporters on Thursday that he was made to wait at the jail for more than two hours before the officer in charge, one Hukurume, informed him t<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ziyambi-brands-chamisa-a-pathological-liar-after-prison-circus/">hat he had been instructed by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi that he (Chamisa) will not be allowed to see Sikhala</a> and the other CCC activists.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/eds-spokesperson-tells-chamisa-to-visit-sikhala-in-court-not-at-chikurubi/">George Charamba, said Chamisa should visit his colleagues at their next court appearance</a>.
Charamba said the government will not compromise national security just to please Chamisa.

"New Dispensation" Worse Than Rhodesia - Mliswa

A new political party called The Patriotic Front (TPF) has been formed with Andrew Nyathi coming in as interim secretary-general.
The party’s spokesperson is Mxolisi Ncube, a Zimbabwean journalist based in South Africa.
In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com on Sunday, Ncube said TPF’s ideology was based on “Ubuntu Social Democracy” and seeks;
<blockquote>… to lead Zimbabweans towards productive politics, whose tenets include delivering the economic emancipation, political freedom, religious independence and cultural recognition of all Zimbabweans in an exact manner wished for them by the nation’s founders and gallant heroes, who shed their blood for the country.</blockquote>
On the economic front, Ncube said TPF will work towards an economy modelled after the Rhodesian system which eschewed disproportionate borrowing and spending. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>The Patriotic Front seeks to establish an economy, sculptured around the successful model of the Rhodesian government, anchored on low spending, little borrowing and national planning but fused with equality and perfected by advancement in technology.</blockquote>
Ncube castigated Zimbabwe’s current government, calling it an authoritarian regime, which has placed the nation’s economy in the hands of cartels, the army and the Chinese.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/new-political-party-modelled-along-rhodesian-run-govt-formed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

New Political Party To Mould Zimbabwe's Economy After Rhodesian Model

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) leader Christopher Mutsvangwa has said that Rhodesians should come back and rebuild Zimbabwe which has been destroyed by Zanu-PF’s G40 Faction.
Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>We want them (Rhodesians) to be part of the next governance in Zimbabwe because this country has been run on a scorched earth by the G40. We want it to recover and for us to build a new country. We did not fight a racial war, but a liberation war for black majority rule. We are also reaching out to the white diaspora and the white business community, they used to run an economy and they are organised and they have the experience. If we can bring those and the new diaspora into play then the country will stabilise and will start recovering from the ravages of G40. We will need all this talent back into the country, so that we can build a new Zimbabwe.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-39883-W/vets+Zim+so+ruined+Rhodesians+needed/news.aspx">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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