The Zimbabwe African People's Union, 1961-1987

A Political History of Insurgency in Southern Rhodesia

Eliakim M. Sibanda

 

Synopsis

This book is an exploration of the political history of insurgency in Southern Rhodesia between 1961 and 1987, with particular reference to the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). Formed on December 17, 1961, ZAPU became the first revolutionary, national, movement to explicitly call for majority rule based on one-man one vote. During the early years of its struggle, ZAPU employed non-violent means to try and achieve its goal for majority rule and a non-racial society. Because of the belligerency of the White settler regime, ZAPU added the armed resistance to its strategy.

Review

The author is concerned with redressing the balance of history regarding Zimbabwe's liberation war, which he claims has been distorted by the undue emphasis upon the role of ZAPU's rival - ZANU led by Robert Mugabe. - Elaine Windrich, H-South Africa

Author

Dr. Eliakim Sibanda is an Associate Professor of History and Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Global Studies at the University of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada where he teaches Africa History and Human Rights and Global Studies courses.