Zimbabwe history: Short doccies from Thames Tv

Goodbye Rhodesia

An interesting history of the end of Rhodesia. Very short documentary, which leaves you wanting for more about the story of transition in Zimbabwe and the experiences and views of its people.

I wonder what some of those who were hoping for freedom at this particular feel 40 years later about what was delivered by Zanu-PF and Robert Mugabe.

There clearly is a lot more freedom for black people which was gained from this struggle, this cannot be denied. The white people at this time seem so disconnected from the realities faced by black Zimbabweans who were facing similar segregation policies implemented by apartheid South Africa. Black people were treated as second class citizens while the white population seems to be living in the lap of luxury.

However considering the contemporary Zimbabwe you can't help but lament at the squandered potential and opportunity by Mugabe/Zanu-PF.

"The dying days of the Republic of Rhodesia in Southern Africa. Filmed by Thames Televisions flagship factual programme 'This week' First transmitted on 11/01/1979 If you would like to license a clip from this video please e mail: archive@fremantlemedia.com Quote:VT20660"

The YouTube channel ThamesTv has many more interesting videos of the transition period of Zimbabwe from its 70s Rhodesia period to the liberation and independence of Zimbabwe.

Rhodesia - 1975

An interview with the Ian Smith who led the white minority regime of Rhodesia.

" A slightly shortened version of the original report. Thames Televisions flagship factual programme visits Rhodesia one of the last countries in Africa still under white minority rule.

In this report we hear from white Rhodesian's about their views on their safety, the increasing number of attacks from 'terrorists/freedom fighters' and what the future holds for the country if and when their monority rule ends. First shown: 26/06/1975 If you would like to license a clip from this video please e mail: archive@fremantlemedia.com Quote: VT11496"

The Rhodesian Crisis - 1976

The Tanzanian President at the time, Julius Nyerere, who was playing a key role in the arbitration in Zimbabwe is interviewed on Thames Tv. Interesting input from him about the role of apartheid South Africa which was holding up the Ian Smith Rhodesian regime. Nyerere also takes on the role of the United States, especially the position of Henry Kissinger in the process for finding a peaceful solution in Zimbabwe. This was a time of the Cold War and 'the West' was largely in support of the minority white regimes in Southern Africa as a bulwark against the Communist countries of China and the Soviet Union who were funding liberation movements in the region.

"An exclusive interview with Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere on the explosive situation in neighbouring Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) - and what the American diplomat Henry Kissinger' told him while he was in South Africa trying and mediate between the the white minority rulers and the black population who are fighting for equality and independence and majority rule. First shown: 23/09/1976 If you would like to license a clip from this video please e mail: archive@fremantlemedia.com Quote: VT15170"

Zimbabwe Election - 1980 - "How Free How Fair?"

How do soldiers turn peaceful? This seems to have been the tricky situation in Zimbabwe as the various black political groups campaigned for the election, whilst maintaining their military fores utilised in their electoral campaigns. The election showed the popularity of Mugabe early on, with his radicalism, and militancy being particularly popular with the youth.

The hate of Mugabe by the whites, which seemed more acute than for any other black leaders; seemed to reinforce his legitimacy as the right leader for black rule after years of oppression from whites. This kind of thinking still works today in contemporary African political discourse. Before his ouster by his cadres in Zanu-PF Mugabe gained further popularity in the eyes of many young Africans because of his notoriety in the western world. The same has happened with the likes of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya as his atrocities gained him the ire of western countries and human rights groups around the world.

In South Africa, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, has risen the similar wave of popularity through militancy and notoriety amongst the elite. The logic is the whites dont like him, he must really be the best person for black interests. How this has worked with Mugabe and Gaddafi, Africans need to interrogate and introspect over.

" With elections looming in Southern Rhodesia, a small monitoring force based in the country are there to try and ensure that the elections are free and fair, as those elected will form the Government of a newly independent Zimbabwe. Julian Manyon reports for Thames Televisions 'TV Eye' This reports has been edited for copyright reasons. First shown: 07/02/1980 If you would like to license a clip from this video please e mail: archive@fremantlemedia.com Quote:VT22391 "

Mugabe's Gamble - 1981

" Respected Journalist Julian Manyon visits Zimbabwe where Robert Mugabe is Prime Minister. The team from Thames Televisions 'TV Eye' follows Mugabe and some of his key revolutionary allies. First shown on the 23/04/1981 This Package has been re edited due to copyright reasons. If you would like to license a clip from this video please e mail: archive@fremantlemedia.com Quote:VT24568 "

Frontline States in Southern Africa vs Apartheid

The liberation of Southern Africa states beyond the Limpopo increase the isolation of apartheid South Africa, but now with hostile black government across its borders. These neighbouring countries played a critical role for the struggle against apartheid as bases for liberation movements such as the African National Congress and its military wing Umkhonto Wesizwe. Surrounded by enemies the apartheid regime went an offensive to cripple these newly independent states economically through military sabotage and the support of rebel regimes that would create chaos and mayhem in these countries.

The economic behemoth that South Africa was, meant that it had quite the leverage against its northern neighbours, many of whom were landlocked countries depended on the transport networks that South Africa controlled to be able to reach international markets. The South African regime worked to sabotage the networks in Mozambique, under the Frelimo ruling party, through the support of rebel group Renamo. Renamo's targets were road and train routes that would hinder the economy of the east Indian ocean nation, and therefore send a strong message to the regimes in Maputo and Harare about their support for the anti-apartheid militant groups.

"This is a slightly shortened version of the original report. What can the Front-Line States do to protect themselves in the economic war South Africa is waging against them? By blocking other routes. South Africa forces 75% of their trade through its ports. The battle is on to change that balance of power. THIS WEEK traveled down the Beira Corridor where thousands of Zimbabwean troops guard the vital two hundred miles of railroad and pipeline between their boarder and the coast of Beira. The corridor is subject to attacks from the “bandidos”, the South African backed MNR or Renamo who are trying to destabilize the already collapsing Mozambique. At the end of the corridor Beira has desperate problems. No power for three months, no water for three weeks and an economy so out of control that one man’s wages for a week will buy a couple of cabbages. Trevor Phillips Reports. First shown: 02/12/1986 If you would like to license a clip from this video please e mail: archive@fremantle.com Quote: VT37610"