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Mugabe And The White African: The Untold Story of Ian Smith, the White Rhodesian Farmer Who Defied Mugabe

Albert Reed

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Mugabe and the White African

by Robert Slater

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

In the annals of African history, the name Robert Mugabe stands out as a towering figure. As the first Prime Minister and later President of Zimbabwe, Mugabe presided over a tumultuous period in the country's history, marked by both progress and violence. His controversial legacy continues to be debated today.

Less well-known but equally fascinating is the story of Ian Smith, a white Rhodesian farmer who became a symbol of resistance against Mugabe's tyranny. Smith's unwavering defiance in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of human spirit.

Born in 1919 in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe),Smith grew up on a farm in the eastern part of the country. He received his education in South Africa, where he studied agriculture. After graduating, he returned to Rhodesia and took over the family farm.

In the 1960s, as the winds of change swept across Africa, Rhodesia found itself on the cusp of independence. However, the white minority government, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, resisted pressure from the British government to grant majority rule to the black population.

Smith and his supporters believed that Rhodesia was not yet ready for black rule. They feared that independence would lead to chaos and violence, as had happened in other African countries.

In 1965, Smith unilaterally declared Rhodesia's independence from Britain. This act of defiance angered the British government and led to international sanctions being imposed on Rhodesia.

Smith's government faced growing opposition from the black population, who demanded an end to white rule. In 1979, after a bloody civil war, Smith finally agreed to step down and hand over power to a black majority government led by Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe's early years as Prime Minister were marked by reconciliation and progress. He introduced policies that benefited the black population, such as land reform and education.

However, Mugabe's rule gradually became more authoritarian. He suppressed dissent and rigged elections to ensure his continued hold on power.

Smith, meanwhile, retired to his farm and became a vocal critic of Mugabe's government. He accused Mugabe of destroying the country and turning it into a dictatorship.

In 2000, Mugabe launched a campaign of violence against white farmers, known as the "fast-track land reform program." The program was ostensibly designed to redistribute land from white farmers to black peasants, but it was widely seen as a way for Mugabe to reward his supporters and punish his opponents.

Smith's farm was one of the first to be targeted. He was forced to flee his home and seek refuge in South Africa.

Smith died in 2007 at the age of 88. He never returned to Zimbabwe, but his legacy as a symbol of resistance against tyranny continues to inspire those who believe in freedom and democracy.

Mugabe And The White African is a gripping account of Smith's life and times. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African history, biography, or the struggle for human rights.

Mugabe and the White African

by Robert Slater

4.3 out of 5