Harare –In a little known chapter of the nation’s struggle for independence, the brief tenure of the late Josiah Gumede as President of the unrecognised state of Zimbabwe – Rhodesia is not known to majority of Zimbabweans. Historians who spoke to Express Mail Zim said the six month presidency spanned from June 1 to December 12 1979. “This period remains unknown to the majority of Zimbabweans and we need a renewed effort to revisit this overlooked period of the country’s history,”said Clever Kamushinda a historian.
“This episode shows the complex path the nation traversed before achieving full sovereignty in 1980. “Most of our citizens are unaware that a fellow Zimbabwean once held the highest office in a predecessor state even if that state was not recognised.” Matamba said thepresidency was constrained by the ongoing liberation war and the limited authority granted to the transitional government. Nevertheless, his tenure laid groundwork for the subsequent Lancaster House negotiations that led to the 1980 elections and the birth of the Republic of Zimbabwe. “I urge the government to incorporate the story of Zimbabwe Rhodesia short‑lived presidency into school curriculum,” said Matamba.
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