Guerrillas and terrorism are 99.99% politics and less than .01% fight. Mugabe never won a battle against Rhodesia, but he rules Zimbabwe today and Rhodesia is just past. In Argentina, Montoneros and ERP terrorists were easily defeated by Videla in just some months. Today, Videla is serving life in prison and Argentina is ruled by a "former" montonera. Here in Brazil is the same as in Argentina. The same with Arafat, Fidel Castro, etc.
REST IN PEACE IAN DOUGLAS SMITH. A TRUE SON OF AFRICA. YOU DID A LOT FOR YOUR PEOPLE BLACK AND WHITE. BEST HOSPITALS BEST EDUCATION. WILL OUR COUNTRY EVER BE PROSPEROUS AGAIN?? OH OH; IF WE COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME.
I am a black a I grew up in Rhodesia and it was the best time of of my life.I regret
the day Mugabe and his thieves took over in Rhodesia now Zimbabwe.I now live in Canada
after I fled zimbabwe from torture in 2005. when I hear the name Rhodesia tears come to my eyes. I pity those who were after the 80s. They have know nothing but suffering.IS THIS WHAT WE CALL SELF RULE. i LOVED IAN SMITH AND MUGABE AND HIS THIEVES AND MURDERRERS WILL GET WHAT IS DUE TO THEM.
@hollymoyo434 nice use of CAPS. Why not wish for a true democracy for Zimbabwe, one that respects ALL human rights? Neither Smith nor Mugabe have delivered this.
@plarter The word of history has spoken here. Anecdotal evidence all over the world suggests black people can't rule themselves responsibly, safely and honestly. But one should be optimistic. Considering they couldn't read or write and ate each other barely a century ago, perhaps it's just a very long learning curve to civilisation.
@Boobdepot1977 Well I agree with you, independence was only 32 years ago. If one day caucasian civilisation is turned upside down by another race or indeed alien species I think it will take us time to grieve and rebuild too.
@plarter that sounds too hard, If aliens have a welfare system I might just go on the dole and blame the Alien Man for all my problems:/ When you say grieve and rebuild in the case of Zimbabwe do you mean the grieving of the thousands of balck and white people Mugabe has killed, starved and impoverished and how does one rebuild a country that in 1980 was already built, thriving, and handed lock,stock to Mugabe and his idiots on a platter?
@Boobdepot1977 when I say grieve and rebuild yes I am talking about all of the periods of disenfranchisement no matter whom the leader. I look forward to a truly democratic Zimbabwe, rid of Mugabe too!
I think most people in Smith's Rhodesia were living better than in Mugabe's Zimbabwe, and I mean EVEN BLACK PEOPLE. Communist power is always shit, a kingdom of madness. Lenin, Stalin, Castro, Mao, Kim il Sung, Ceausescu and many others...may they rotten in hell with all their ass-lickers
You were not in Zimbabwe for the benifit of black ppl.. Most of you were punch of losers and white trashs who couldnt make in Europe and came to Africa as merceneries. . How did u get rich that quick? If u were that genious why did you leave Britain and France, and ur dracula countries. Yes, Zimbabwe is broken down country not because you left, but the banks how who were looting the country with you , divested after their conspirators were busted. Thank China has become helping hand of Africa.
Interesting that you write from the US about Zimbabwean matters - I guess that you never had the benefit of an education that the majority of blacks had in the country - at least they were literate! A question: How have the present wealthy blacks in Zimbabwe got so rich so quickly too then ? As for the Chinese saviours you describe, the trade off of diamonds for oil and very little else will further add to the misery of the average decent Zimbabwean - just new looters that is all.
@Dabayl China will be your new colonial masters. And you will bow lower to them than you ever did with a white man, their only interest is completely exploiting your resources, not teaching you how to wear a shirt and not eat each other. Fool!
RDDO756, u saying the same thing that white men use to say about China. Zimbabe is changing each day.. And it is getting better by the way.. U have had ur chance for centuries.. What have u done. ? U left millions of ppl with decent health care. Illiterate, and poor. Yes ppl were eating. What were they eating. They were eating ur shit.. U had growing economy back then, Ur economy depended on South Africa aparthied goverment and western nation that gave you especial treatment for trade.
To Kakomarara : Fine, so now you have your " freedom " under your hero Mugabe. And I totlly agree with your sentiment about " Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans ". Now, lay there in your own shit and starve - you got what you wanted.
Despite having to import everything at a premium, and exporting at a discount, despite not having official recognition from any country, Rhodesia managed to have a growing economy from 1965 to 1980. As an Afrikaner, I feel ashamed that the short sighted Vorster turned his back on them in order to score some cheap short term political points. He also destroyed the ideals of Verwoerd with his short shortsightedness, which is why Apartheid turned out as it did.
@Hannodb1961 oh yes, of course, a growing economy is more important than human rights and democracy. I hope you turn your passion into prayer for a truly democratic Zimbabwe one day.
@plarter Lets look at the facts here 1) Half the country was part of the trust lands, where black people could practice their traditional culture, which, by the way, did not include democracy. 2) Black people was free to enter the "white" areas, and search for work. 3) With the necesary qualifications, they could even vote. The country was safe and people had homes and food. Ian Smith knew Rhodesia was not ready for a one man one vote system, but the West wouldn't listen.
@Hannodb1961 It's not an ethical system in practice though, is it? "trust areas" never include productive land for agriculture.... ruling races always take the best land. "Blacks" were denied capital to start businesses... and "necessary qualifications" to vote provides incentives for racists to deny adequate education in order to preclude qualification. The area now know as Zimbabwe has never had a truly democratic system of government and we need to fight for this.
@plarter 1) "trust areas" never include productive land for agriculture" ARE YOU KIDDING???All of zimbabwe is extremely futile land.In South Africa, Transkei and Kwazulu was some of THE BEST agricultural land.2) ""Blacks" were denied capital to start businesses" Again,you are ignorance is showing.Businesses are a WESTERN concept, completely alien to African culture. That is why "necessary qualifications" is important.How can you vote in a cultural milieu which is completely foreign to you?
@plarter 2) The problem is YOU live in such a mono-cultural environment, you have NO CONCEPT of the conditions in Africa. You think in terms of liberal englishmen with black skins, well the differences goes A LOT deeper than that. YES, South Africa and Rhodesia might not have been perfect, but since you guys killed off all your natives, we didn't have that many examples of working systems to look at, did we? We had to find our own solutions.
@Hannodb1961 hi Hannod, I was born in Africa and have been back many times since leaving. I agree with you Ausralia has an appalling history in this sense too! We are still trying to find a solution today.. we've been through denial of citizenship.. then reserves... then self-determination... etc etc. Things are slowly improving as co-respect increases. Thanks for your concern. ps: most first Australians died from disease but yes we had our massacres too
@plarter 3) Here in South Africa, we build schools and universities for black people, to be taught in their own language. We gave them land where they could live according to their own customs. We build the largest hospital in the South, exclusively for blacks. Some of the African leaders who boycotted us, came to be treated in this hospital. When I was little, we had to learn a black language at school (Apart from both Afrikaans and English)
@plarter 4) What have YOU Australians done for the Mauri's? Is their language recognized as an official language? Does your state sponsor mother tongue education for them? Judging how well adapted blacks in South Africa is, I think Apartheid has been FAR more successful in adapting our blacks to modern society than you Australians. And I think the Rhodesian had an even beter, fairer system than we had! You Ausies have NO RIGHT to judge us in Southern Africa. NONE AT ALL!
@Hannodb1961 Hi Hannod, the Mauri are in New Zealand, Australia had about 500 aboriginal nations at the time of Europpean settlement. There is some funding for aboriginal lanugage preservation but not nearly enough. Oh I absolutely reserve the right to judge any government policy anywhere in the world, just as you are judging Australia. I think it's good to have the debate.
@plarter An Australian!Why am I not surprised!You people killed off all your natives,and then you go round and lecture us how we should deal with ours!You hypocrite! Zimbabwe is in the state it is today, because countries like YOURS like to stick their noses in the difficult problems of OTHER countries which you do not fully understand, and force your over simplified "solutions" on to them. You Australians get offended when someone uses a language other than English, and you want to lecture US??
@Hannodb1961 Hi again hannod, as stated above I was born in Africa and am now Australian. It is not true that first Australians were deliberately killed off, unfortunately disease was the main killer, but I agree with you they were treated appallingly and we are still trying to right those wrongs! Thanks for your concern. I absolutely reserve the right to judge any government policy anywhere in the world, just as you are judging Australia. I think it's good to have the debate.
@plarter Then that is different. Debate is one thing, but "oh yes, of course, a growing economy is more important than human rights and democracy" sounded more like the typical western condescending judgement which we Afrikaners had quite enough of. While it is nice for Australians, Americans and Canadians to debate theoretical modals, we were dealing with realities, and we did the best we could. For interest, which country do you come from, and how old/what year were you when you emigrated?
Rhodesia was a model state for many decades. It is a tragedy what has happened there, and Prime Minister Smith was a genius in keeping it going as long as he did. However, I have to think that Smith and the Rhodesian government were short-sighted after UDI. Had he implemented Harold Wilson's initial offer unilaterally, they would have shown the moderate black population that their best bet was to help Rhodesia evolve in a multi-racial society instead of pushing them into hands of the guerrilla
I have mixed feeling about this guy. On one side, he brought wealth and prosperity to the newly independent Rhodiesia then on the other hand, it was the Whites who benefited the most. Lest we forget he massacred thounsads of blacks during the bush wars people!
@joel1445 , i think you may need to do a bit more research on Rhodesia and Mr Ian smith before you pass a comment like this one that you have made. Dont get sucked in by the politicaly correct bull shit that certain individuals and certain governments spew forth about this man or about Rhodesia!
Ian Douglas Smith and the Rhodies represented the superb character of the British middle and working classes before Britain was ruined by socialism. Think of it, 275,000 British settlers along with their African collaborators built a modern country with an effective military. The idea of modern Britons doing likewise today in a new country is laughable. Almost as laughable as Mugabe and his thugs accomplishing anything more advanced than cannibalism.
I like the many Fallacies on this platform, you are all dreamers you know , real dreamers , You need to wake up from your wet dreams ladies, Rhodesia, Smith, heroes, these are all fallacies. To the brains behind this racist rhetoric sorry to say but your narrow mindedness is disastrous. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. Black pipo rule , Big up Mugabe
I like the many Fallacies on this platform, you are all dreamers you know , real dreamers , You need to wake up from your wet dreams ladies, Rhodesia, Smith, heroes, these are all fallacies. To the brains behind this racist rhetoric sorry to say but your narrow mindedness is disastrous. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. Black pipo rule , Big up Mugabe
I like the many Fallacies on this platform, you are all dreamers you know , real dreamers , You need to wake up from your wet dreams ladies, Rhodesia, Smith, heroes, these are all fallacies. To the brains behind this racist rhetoric sorry to say but your narrow mindedness is disastrous. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. Black pipo rule , Big up Mugabe
@MAXdeMODE ...well Mr. Mussolini.....I dont think the Rhodies really appreciate being associated with fascist Italy...Please........they may be hard up but they have their standards!
I was teenager in 1980 and I remember the day when Rodhesia became Zimbabwe, with Robert Mugabe as president and I said to a professor of history to the high school that it would be the worse for the worse.
For thirty years, it is the case for the Zimbabweans and it is not any more the fact of the colonizers come from Europe.
The PM of Rhodesia, Ian Smith was right when he warned the international community on the dangers with Robert Mugabe.
ian smith is a hero, and my mentor,may god rest his soul.
to the poster- is it possible to get a high quality recording of this track from you, so i can enjoy it on my stereo? any info on how to obtain a good copy would be greatly appreciated!
Smith was not a politician, he was a statesman - a man who saw beyond the next election and to the 'bigger picture' for all the people of the country. (Shame he was denied the chance to prove this...)
The track on this clip is available - drop a line to neil@finalsounds.co.za
@enartee you hit the nail on the head right there- he wasnt a talker, he was a thinker and a doer, who himself had been farming his entire life and had fought in ww2, he was a realist, and had rhodesia been given the chance she deserved by the world, under smith, perhaps, she would be feeding the rest of the world, instead of the rest of the world feeding zimbabwe....
thanks you the info on the song, and greetings from new zealand
Haha, Smithy was never a racist and, so much so that black rhodesians fought with him, I know many. The bright young black rhodesians that came out of his time are now live happly in the UK, they got out when they could, and are doing very well on the British railways! I'm a Rhodesian and have met many black Rhodesians who are proud to be Rhodesians!
when mugabe goes or dies we tear his carcass and that of his wife and henchmen and feed it to the dogs.just like what happenned to his master ceascescu in romania.I am a black rhodesian/zimbabwean living in canada.our coutry lies in abject desolation
i miss the days of iain smith.he was a million times better than this buthcher mugabe.i am black and i am proud to say i miss rhodesia.there was no lack of food
,of schools,of jobs,and despite sanctions the country was alive; what a great loss
of a great man.the end on an era; holly moyo ,vancouver
As a Jamaican for years i had to see black-Africans in Southern Africa live under white Government. South Africa being the last to give up power to Black Man. Why? do we have to go see these things in Africa. What was that all about? I am black thats my land? I am white i developed the land? Whites and blacks in Africa need to move on. Smith and Mugabe are Zimbabwe they both grow up there.
North and South America do not belong to the black man and never have. To get his land back so you say but look at Zimbabwe now it does not even have a currancy of it's own anymore it has to rely on the US Dollar and SA Rand.
North & South America belong to the Indeginous people. Zimbabwe is in that state because of negative sactons by Britian & European countries over land that Mugabe was wanting to give back to his people.
@Afannell: I disagree with you on both accounts North America rightfully belongs to the Native American Indian. Zimbabwe is in that state because Mugabe stole the farms from whites and gave it to a bunch mongs who have no idea how to farm except for subsistance farming and they fail every time.
North American does belong to Native American Indians after what European thugs did by killing them over land the same should be said too after what European thugs did to African over land. Africa belongs to Native Africans only and I would love to move back their one day.
Well then what are you doing in the United States then fuck back to Africa and you can help Mugabe and Zuma kick the whites out and us whities here in Europe can kick blackies out of Europe.
Watching this again, I noticed something I'd missed before. At 3:06 or so, you see a side shot of Smith, and the man sitting to Smith's left turns and looks over his left shoulder and up, probably toward a balcony.
That man looks terribly familiar to me, though I'd not noticed him before. I wonder who he was or is?
Ah, yes, van der Byl, I recognize that name. There is a lengthy entry on him at Wikipedia, though some of the info is, well, let's just say I was not familiar with those parts of his life, and leave it at that :)
Your comments are uncalled for and are NOT wanted. IF you cannot look at Ian Smith as a great statesman, than raehr do not say anything. DO you think any of your murdering terrorists are or were any better??? Do you think Mugabe or his side kicks are asny better?? Look at yourselves FIRST, before pointing fingers, because your own kind hve done and did do a lot worse than what anyone else ever did. Get your head out of your backside and when you can talk sense , try again.
@koderkowa -good job you got mugabe looking after you now isnt he really cares for his people. Flood the place and start again is all that can be done now
@koderkowa This man fought Hitler, he put his life on the line in WW2. The only black people he ever killed were the communists terrorists who invaded Rhodesia, attacking and ravaging many black people. Is it not Mugabe who reffered to himself as Hitler tenfold?
lets not forget that mugabe ruined zimbabwe from being a rich country to a begger of african states, you may not understand this but go live there and i promise you, you will change your atitude very fast! Ian Smith was not apartheid he just believed in responsible governance and judging by mugabes performance he was right!
You don't know the story, he did have right hand senior black MP Muzorewaa and the likes who ran the country, mugabe did not want a coalition government and sought independance. Lets not forget it was late 70's early 80's no country had good racial equality including america and britain.
Music and pictures works well for our generation, R3dp055um, but younger people need to know more. Each picture tells a story, but so often it is our knowledge of the background - what is not in the picture - that makes the picture powerful. I hope someone equipped to provide that background provides a voiceover for up and coming generations.
For the simple reason that he realised from personal experience that Blacks were genetically incapable of ruling a First-World civilised state - as the history of the whole of Black Africa has proved - with the track record of the subsequent ZANU-PF regime in "Zimbabwe" being a classic and indisputable example.
I do not think Ian Smith would have wholeheartedly supported your tone and apparent intent here, Alan. I suggest you read Smith's account of "Bob" on pages 55 and 56 of his book "Bitter Harvest". Smith position was more compassionate, sophisticated, subtle and nuanced that the position you portray as your own here.
@Myrmecia Alas I think that your comments are ill-informed. IDS fought gallantly for the preservation of civilised rule in that land between the Zambezi and the Limpopo for 14 years, enjoying far more support at grass-roots level in the outside than most people in Rhodesia itself alas realised. He knew Africa and he knew Africans, and had nothing but contempt for Mugabe at the end of his life. Subsequent developments in that beleaguered land have, of course, proved IDS completely correct.
I am in full agreement with all you say, Alan. All. You don't address my comment, but let it ride: we share our admiration for IDS and what he stood for. Let's leave it at that.
@Myrmecia Many thanks for these kind comments, and of course it was most encouraging to learn that you agreed with all I said. I'm afraid that I don't know specifically what your comment was that I evidently never addressed however.
Simply because they were not ready for it at that stage. The growth process to include blacks in government had already started in the early 60s; pressure from the (ignorant and unfamiliar) western powers brought eventual change - plus the actual cost of self defence. A refined black businessman once said to me 'The day a black person can design and build a jumbo jet, then only can we begin to class ourselves as equals...' Please hold your racist views to yourself until you know better? nrt
I think he was a kind man, Gloryfyne44 - given that all successful political leaders have to be tough. He enjoyed a long and happy marriage (in a part of the world where divorce often seemed the norm!), and he was respected for his fairness by most of the country's Blacks - a rarity for White leaders in Africa!
What Zimbabwe was before(Rhodesia) was Ian Smith. People eating not starving like they are now. People receiving medical care not literally shitting themselves to death like they are now. Infrastructure maintained now streets have become open sewers. Blacks not equals now all blacks equally miserable in Mugabe's Zimbabwe.
He was a leader in the hearts of men, a statesman, a wise councillor, like Washington or Wallace, first in war first in peace first in the hearts of his countrymen. May he rest in peace.
There is something romantic about the pioneer fighting the world. Such was the lot of the Rhodesian white, romantically speaking. People like to think such trials are what make the truly elite, truly elite. Of course, such thoughts are probably rubbish, but I must confess I have them anyway. I must say, however, that the beauty of a white Rhodesian girl I knew at bible school did not do anything to disabuse me of such thoughts. I wonder if blacks have anything they can compare this to?
Yes they do....its called the USA...the greatest nation in the world. All powerful and righteous.....united by diversity and an enduring set of values.
What I am talking about is best illustrated by the following: In America, we had the "wild west" as our romantic thing that white men often had to hearken to. I told a black friend once that Africa had greater stories than our American west. Compare taming the buffalo to fighting man-eating lions! But where are those movies, those stories? I hope the world can see some of those stories before Jesus comes back. It would add to the human race's story. Do you know what I mean? Am I clearer?
How is the USA attributable to blacks may I ask? They were slaves for the first 150 years of its history....? Not insinuating blacks are inferior (I'm no racist) but would like to get a grasp on your reasoning.
good to see discussion guys, but if you wish to make it an ongoing process, can you please do this via your normal email means - this column is really only for comment? nrt
I had the very great honour of being able to meet the Hon. Ian Douglas Smith on several occasions towards the end of his life. What impressed me the most was his optimistic pro-British sentiment (in spite of being a so-called "rebel"!) and his complete faith in the younger British generation. With that kind of attitude Britain's Imperial glories can be re-built, and the Rhodesian spirit will rise again from out of the ashes of Mugabe's "Zimbabwe" - to the benefit of ALL races!
Thanks Enartee. The only enigma about Ian Smith is that people fail to appreciate the sickening mindset of the 1960s which effected the West. Ian Smith was a global Briton - an Imperial patriot in a sense known both before and since. Many in the UK at the time thought he'd make a better and more loyal British PM than either Wilson or Heath. He wasn't a man behind the times, he was a man decades ahead of his time. That's why he had such great faith in the coming generation of young Britons.
I first met the Hon. Ian Douglas Smith briefly at the Rhodesian Parliament in Salisbury in 1976, when I was a member of a party of 5 [then] young British patriots who fully supported our Rhodesian kith and kin. Ian Smith subsequently visited the UK four times during the final years of his life (late '90s and early 2000's) in order to promote his biography "The Great Betrayal", and through my membership of various patriotic expatriate organisations I was able to meet him again on each occasion.
only God knows what is in the hearts of men, Ian Smith left this world anyway, so it will be God that judges him. We have today to work with. glorifyme44, I would love to have a discussion, I find african politics quite fascinating.
he didnt seem racist when I read his book. "Blacks were uneducated because they were forced down by colonial powers, it is our duty as their descendents to educate them"
"We had a policy, if we ever came to rule rhodesia, that you would be judged on merit and not the color of your skin"
There were, and still are, white racists, as black racists, arguing the point will accomplish nothing though, we need to work on today. I like to have talk with you, discussing things brings solutions out.
enartee, thank you for posting this homage to a great man! As an ex-Rhodesian, I consider him to have been one of the most courageous men of the history of the country. R.I.P. Mr Smith
wrong glorifyme44 IAN SMITH was an amazing leader...during the bush wars he got white and black men to stand together and fight mugabe....mugabe is a terrorist who should be burned alive
I agree that the colour of your skin has nothing to do with your ability to do the job. I have nothing against other colours, we are all human it is just hte picment of our skin that differs
In SA - during apartheid - Asians (particularly Indians and similar nationalities) were rated as BLACKS - now under the black government they are rated as Whites and are lesser than most other races - although higher rated than whites
It would be wonderful for you to try......... in SA you might get away with it, in Zim you will be locked up or killed. Don't know about the rest of africa. Apartheid was a SA thing and would not have been comlained about by the rest of the world except it was a law and this was wrong.
It was not Mandela that let crime get out of hand it was the rest of the goverment that ruled and made the constitution that gave crimanals more rights than there victims and took away the death penalty which was a major deterent.
have no problem with someone gtting a job that they can do. It is when they get given the job only because they are black. The problem then becomes that you have less production and more unemployment. Because of coruption a lot of business go under.
Rape is a problem through out the world and has no colour differentation. Not to sure what your stats are in US but in SA the stats was standing at every 3 min a woman is raped. this does not include children or men.
Not all whites have money. The problem is in the old SA people got jobs because they were capable of doing the job but in the new SA you get the job because you are black so you have a lot of people that is employed but has no idee of what the hell they are doing. Blacks is driving cars that some white people can only dream of. the unemployment is rife. Plenty of white is living in squatter camp because they have been retenched in favour of blacks with no ar little experence.
what is a tanned-skinned non white, non black person anyways? Anyone is a target in south africa and zimbabwe - especially a foreigner who is unprepared for the violence in what were once peaceful countries.
Yes you are not safe there. But if you live there being white means you are the lowest of the low followed by asian, then mixed race......
If you come into afica with your attitude you can be sure of violance against you because you will insite violance. If you want to come into africa get your facts correct dont bring politics just us dollars.
so what are you saying exactly ???- this sounds distinctly like a contradiction to your earlier arguments?
The question is "Who are YOU to judge"? I as born there, lived there, lived through the war and united with both black and white and would go back tomorrow to help build my homeland and uplift the country to its former glory - no matter what it is called. I would happily live hand-in-hand with my fellow Rhodesians/Zimbabweans as they are a culture that can match no other.
We live with these aficans everyday of our lifes. Try and spend a few years in Zim or SA as a white person and feel the racism generated towards you. You will soon learn that not all whites or blacks ae rascist but there are always exceptions that causse problems for everyone. You will soon change your tune.
You seem to have a problem with skin colour are you rascist? I grew up in the old africa and lots that was done was unfair but a lot more unfairness is happenning now. At this present moment it is just rascism in reverse. The blacks get preverance for work over the whites. In America this is called affimative action. In SA and Zim it is still a form of rascism
I agree blacks and whites should rule together but try and put this into effect in africa and you running into the barrel of a gun. So who is rascist. Not us Whites
SA and Zim black do not sometimes tolerate any other skin colour. and sometimes they do not even tolerate other blacks. They will kill each other for tribal differances. They are friendly and a lot of them are trust worthy, like all people of the world. Unfortunatly they have this chip on there shoulder that has been put there by communist nations that says that they are better than everyone else.
so do you say that living in the past is good? Ian Smith was never charged with war crimes - he never accused villagers of being traitors, cut off their ears and lips, made their wives cook them and then force both to eat the "dinner" - that was Mugabe and the "freedom fighters". ian Smith and his troops never raped the women and then killed them for being pregnant with unpure children.........
Ian Smith tried to protect all his people - black and white.
By the sound of it you are living in a dream world. SA only mistake was making a law (apartheid) and this caused the resr of the world to loose favour. SA has done nothing different than the rest of the world has done. Smith tried to right the wrong of the past and was sold out by the western world. If you know your history of Rhodesia then you would know your facts. Until then go to the library.
You living in a nut shell. A lot of your quotes that you are quoting are not smith's you got all your fact wrong. You must see what we see in SA and Zim on a daily basis then you might get some sense of reality
hey nobull - you are stating the results of freedom - and the freedom fight which resulted in no freedom and life on the verge of death for all except mugabe and the anc's cronies and corrupt governments
where do you get this shite abomut a certain income that you are so obsessed about? White farmers farmed the majority of the land because they had the expertise and made the country propser (not without the help of the farm-hands who were black and also profited).
Smithy co-operated with SA because racist britain and racist america imposed sanctions on Rhodesia and south africa supplied the country with what was needed until it became self-sufficient
The blacks were NOT second to everything - they were a part of everything - it was a united nation where people lived in harmony except for the dissident minority - Mugabe and co - who wanted power for themselves with no regard for the people.
How can you say that the white still rule everything in the usa when obama is president? I think your vision is blurred as are your opinions...
he was opposed by the world because he was fair and treated everyone equally - look at the world now. The dominating nations thrive on disrupting other nations........ Racism, segregation and conflict is rife. Ian Smith removed Rhodesia from colonialist, racist britain's clutches and control.
he allowed and appreciated equality and everybody's contribution and recognised it. What other leader has done this??
The what use is a black president if the whites still control everything???? I still believe you are misinformed but certainly KNOW that you are misinformed about RHODESIA and IAN SMITH.
Barack osama does not lead a majority in the USA - what smithy said could easily apply to him now.... who is to say that a government is evil because they deliver economic success and stability - even if they ARE the minority......... why would they be evil??? so what is wrong with this comment - i think most people today would appreciate a country with that kind of stability.
If you had lived there you would know that everybody was merited for their contributions. Farms could not run without the black labourers - whether the farms were owned by black or white or other. Banks and businesses were full of black staff as they knew the culture and were the best for the job.
Racism was only there before UDI - based on directives from the british government of which rhodesia had been a colony.
Whites and blacks built the country together. It was RHODESIA.
You obviously intend to live in your delusional state of objection and opinionated ignorance.
I never said he built it by himself - that is a physical impossibily unless on a remote island with a population of 1.
He unified the nation, and with support from all races pulling together, it became the breadbasket of africa - a little country shaped like a teapot supplied most of africa with food. It was prosperous under his rule.
and who are you to say - living in the USA and not knowing the history or the people? You listen to media reports of a history ytou do not know.
you argue that whites are not original rhodesians. the same argument applies to the USA - blacks ande whites are NOT original americans but you have a black president.... now what? ahh he must be racist because he does not have majority rule either.!
I was forced out of God's Country by Mugabe and his goons many years ago, but as soon he is gone I want to go back to rebuild my home, my country, my nation. And my sentiments are shared by hundreds of thousands of displaced Rhodesians - both black and white - because it is home and we all want to see it regain its former glory.
I am a white woman who is not racist but saw Ian Smith's vision and the results of a unified country until international interference destroyed it.
Because he knew what was coming - as has been proven - poverty, dictatorship, death, destruction, corruption, inflation, etc. The same as almost every other african country in history with majority rule.
Ian Smith built a nation - its so sad to see it fall.
They have control and what has happened? The country that was known as the bread-basket of africa is now only the breadbasket for mugabe and his cronies.
Read the history - I lived it...... as did my friends both black and white. Ian smith was a saviour of a nation - not the tyrannical racist you claim he was!
you sound like someone who has no idea of the realisty of what went on in Rhodesia. You cannot say he was a racist when everyone ate, lived comfortably, co-operated, trusted each other and enjoyed life whilst under his government.
Everyone lived in harmony, especially after he declared UDI and extracted the country from the clutches of the racist british government who dictated the segregation and governmental policies.
Then they have their own homelands, and we did the best we could, so in that case we should let them be, not interfere, that would also bring the chaos to the white areas.
But I don't think things will mess up when we put back white minority rule, fully educate three or more generations of blacks, and then slowly work towards self-governed homelands.
@ihateusernames302 what a joke
plarter 1 week ago
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Guerrillas and terrorism are 99.99% politics and less than .01% fight. Mugabe never won a battle against Rhodesia, but he rules Zimbabwe today and Rhodesia is just past. In Argentina, Montoneros and ERP terrorists were easily defeated by Videla in just some months. Today, Videla is serving life in prison and Argentina is ruled by a "former" montonera. Here in Brazil is the same as in Argentina. The same with Arafat, Fidel Castro, etc.
daltonagre 2 weeks ago
REST IN PEACE IAN DOUGLAS SMITH. A TRUE SON OF AFRICA. YOU DID A LOT FOR YOUR PEOPLE BLACK AND WHITE. BEST HOSPITALS BEST EDUCATION. WILL OUR COUNTRY EVER BE PROSPEROUS AGAIN?? OH OH; IF WE COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME.
hollymoyo434 1 month ago
I am a black a I grew up in Rhodesia and it was the best time of of my life.I regret
the day Mugabe and his thieves took over in Rhodesia now Zimbabwe.I now live in Canada
after I fled zimbabwe from torture in 2005. when I hear the name Rhodesia tears come to my eyes. I pity those who were after the 80s. They have know nothing but suffering.IS THIS WHAT WE CALL SELF RULE. i LOVED IAN SMITH AND MUGABE AND HIS THIEVES AND MURDERRERS WILL GET WHAT IS DUE TO THEM.
hollymoyo434 1 month ago
@hollymoyo434 nice use of CAPS. Why not wish for a true democracy for Zimbabwe, one that respects ALL human rights? Neither Smith nor Mugabe have delivered this.
plarter 1 week ago
Hand a country back to monkeys, watch it go back into dust.
Boobdepot1977 1 month ago
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plarter 1 week ago
@Boobdepot1977 the world of science is against you I'm afraid, there is very little DNA difference between black and white people.
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter The word of history has spoken here. Anecdotal evidence all over the world suggests black people can't rule themselves responsibly, safely and honestly. But one should be optimistic. Considering they couldn't read or write and ate each other barely a century ago, perhaps it's just a very long learning curve to civilisation.
Boobdepot1977 1 week ago
@Boobdepot1977 Well I agree with you, independence was only 32 years ago. If one day caucasian civilisation is turned upside down by another race or indeed alien species I think it will take us time to grieve and rebuild too.
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter that sounds too hard, If aliens have a welfare system I might just go on the dole and blame the Alien Man for all my problems:/ When you say grieve and rebuild in the case of Zimbabwe do you mean the grieving of the thousands of balck and white people Mugabe has killed, starved and impoverished and how does one rebuild a country that in 1980 was already built, thriving, and handed lock,stock to Mugabe and his idiots on a platter?
Boobdepot1977 1 week ago
@Boobdepot1977 when I say grieve and rebuild yes I am talking about all of the periods of disenfranchisement no matter whom the leader. I look forward to a truly democratic Zimbabwe, rid of Mugabe too!
plarter 1 week ago
I think most people in Smith's Rhodesia were living better than in Mugabe's Zimbabwe, and I mean EVEN BLACK PEOPLE. Communist power is always shit, a kingdom of madness. Lenin, Stalin, Castro, Mao, Kim il Sung, Ceausescu and many others...may they rotten in hell with all their ass-lickers
servitrad 3 months ago
Blacks ruin everything, naturally.
thekeeid 3 months ago
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plarter 1 week ago
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plarter 1 week ago
You were not in Zimbabwe for the benifit of black ppl.. Most of you were punch of losers and white trashs who couldnt make in Europe and came to Africa as merceneries. . How did u get rich that quick? If u were that genious why did you leave Britain and France, and ur dracula countries. Yes, Zimbabwe is broken down country not because you left, but the banks how who were looting the country with you , divested after their conspirators were busted. Thank China has become helping hand of Africa.
Dabayl 4 months ago
@Dabayl
Interesting that you write from the US about Zimbabwean matters - I guess that you never had the benefit of an education that the majority of blacks had in the country - at least they were literate! A question: How have the present wealthy blacks in Zimbabwe got so rich so quickly too then ? As for the Chinese saviours you describe, the trade off of diamonds for oil and very little else will further add to the misery of the average decent Zimbabwean - just new looters that is all.
enartee 4 months ago
@Dabayl China will be your new colonial masters. And you will bow lower to them than you ever did with a white man, their only interest is completely exploiting your resources, not teaching you how to wear a shirt and not eat each other. Fool!
Boobdepot1977 1 week ago
RDDO756, u saying the same thing that white men use to say about China. Zimbabe is changing each day.. And it is getting better by the way.. U have had ur chance for centuries.. What have u done. ? U left millions of ppl with decent health care. Illiterate, and poor. Yes ppl were eating. What were they eating. They were eating ur shit.. U had growing economy back then, Ur economy depended on South Africa aparthied goverment and western nation that gave you especial treatment for trade.
Dabayl 4 months ago
To Kakomarara : Fine, so now you have your " freedom " under your hero Mugabe. And I totlly agree with your sentiment about " Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans ". Now, lay there in your own shit and starve - you got what you wanted.
RGD0756 6 months ago
@RGD0756 perhaps it may be more just to wish for a truly democratic Zimbabwe.
plarter 1 week ago
Ian Smith, say what you say about him was a good man despite everything. People ate, the hospitals were world class.
Kryptonian250 6 months ago
Despite having to import everything at a premium, and exporting at a discount, despite not having official recognition from any country, Rhodesia managed to have a growing economy from 1965 to 1980. As an Afrikaner, I feel ashamed that the short sighted Vorster turned his back on them in order to score some cheap short term political points. He also destroyed the ideals of Verwoerd with his short shortsightedness, which is why Apartheid turned out as it did.
Hannodb1961 7 months ago
@Hannodb1961 oh yes, of course, a growing economy is more important than human rights and democracy. I hope you turn your passion into prayer for a truly democratic Zimbabwe one day.
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter Lets look at the facts here 1) Half the country was part of the trust lands, where black people could practice their traditional culture, which, by the way, did not include democracy. 2) Black people was free to enter the "white" areas, and search for work. 3) With the necesary qualifications, they could even vote. The country was safe and people had homes and food. Ian Smith knew Rhodesia was not ready for a one man one vote system, but the West wouldn't listen.
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
@Hannodb1961 It's not an ethical system in practice though, is it? "trust areas" never include productive land for agriculture.... ruling races always take the best land. "Blacks" were denied capital to start businesses... and "necessary qualifications" to vote provides incentives for racists to deny adequate education in order to preclude qualification. The area now know as Zimbabwe has never had a truly democratic system of government and we need to fight for this.
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter 1) "trust areas" never include productive land for agriculture" ARE YOU KIDDING???All of zimbabwe is extremely futile land.In South Africa, Transkei and Kwazulu was some of THE BEST agricultural land.2) ""Blacks" were denied capital to start businesses" Again,you are ignorance is showing.Businesses are a WESTERN concept, completely alien to African culture. That is why "necessary qualifications" is important.How can you vote in a cultural milieu which is completely foreign to you?
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
@plarter 2) The problem is YOU live in such a mono-cultural environment, you have NO CONCEPT of the conditions in Africa. You think in terms of liberal englishmen with black skins, well the differences goes A LOT deeper than that. YES, South Africa and Rhodesia might not have been perfect, but since you guys killed off all your natives, we didn't have that many examples of working systems to look at, did we? We had to find our own solutions.
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
@Hannodb1961 hi Hannod, I was born in Africa and have been back many times since leaving. I agree with you Ausralia has an appalling history in this sense too! We are still trying to find a solution today.. we've been through denial of citizenship.. then reserves... then self-determination... etc etc. Things are slowly improving as co-respect increases. Thanks for your concern. ps: most first Australians died from disease but yes we had our massacres too
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter 3) Here in South Africa, we build schools and universities for black people, to be taught in their own language. We gave them land where they could live according to their own customs. We build the largest hospital in the South, exclusively for blacks. Some of the African leaders who boycotted us, came to be treated in this hospital. When I was little, we had to learn a black language at school (Apart from both Afrikaans and English)
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
@Hannodb1961 hm it's strange that they threw out the government when given the vote then isn't it?
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter 4) What have YOU Australians done for the Mauri's? Is their language recognized as an official language? Does your state sponsor mother tongue education for them? Judging how well adapted blacks in South Africa is, I think Apartheid has been FAR more successful in adapting our blacks to modern society than you Australians. And I think the Rhodesian had an even beter, fairer system than we had! You Ausies have NO RIGHT to judge us in Southern Africa. NONE AT ALL!
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
@Hannodb1961 Hi Hannod, the Mauri are in New Zealand, Australia had about 500 aboriginal nations at the time of Europpean settlement. There is some funding for aboriginal lanugage preservation but not nearly enough. Oh I absolutely reserve the right to judge any government policy anywhere in the world, just as you are judging Australia. I think it's good to have the debate.
plarter 1 week ago
@plarter An Australian!Why am I not surprised!You people killed off all your natives,and then you go round and lecture us how we should deal with ours!You hypocrite! Zimbabwe is in the state it is today, because countries like YOURS like to stick their noses in the difficult problems of OTHER countries which you do not fully understand, and force your over simplified "solutions" on to them. You Australians get offended when someone uses a language other than English, and you want to lecture US??
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
@Hannodb1961 Hi again hannod, as stated above I was born in Africa and am now Australian. It is not true that first Australians were deliberately killed off, unfortunately disease was the main killer, but I agree with you they were treated appallingly and we are still trying to right those wrongs! Thanks for your concern. I absolutely reserve the right to judge any government policy anywhere in the world, just as you are judging Australia. I think it's good to have the debate.
plarter 1 week ago
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@plarter Then that is different. Debate is one thing, but "oh yes, of course, a growing economy is more important than human rights and democracy" sounded more like the typical western condescending judgement which we Afrikaners had quite enough of. While it is nice for Australians, Americans and Canadians to debate theoretical modals, we were dealing with realities, and we did the best we could. For interest, which country do you come from, and how old/what year were you when you emigrated?
Hannodb1961 1 week ago
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Who is the guy in glasses smoking the pipe towards the end? Lord Callahan?
Briannyc77 7 months ago
Who is the guy in glasses smoking the pipe towards the end? Lord Callahan?
Briannyc77 7 months ago
@Briannyc77
It may have been Lord Callaghan, but I believe that Lord Carrington was also around at the time?
enartee 7 months ago
The baboon was once plentiful in Rhodesia. The new owners haven't been very kind to their brothers.
yootenasia 11 months ago
Rhodesia was a model state for many decades. It is a tragedy what has happened there, and Prime Minister Smith was a genius in keeping it going as long as he did. However, I have to think that Smith and the Rhodesian government were short-sighted after UDI. Had he implemented Harold Wilson's initial offer unilaterally, they would have shown the moderate black population that their best bet was to help Rhodesia evolve in a multi-racial society instead of pushing them into hands of the guerrilla
barkochba132 11 months ago
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barkochba132 11 months ago
I have mixed feeling about this guy. On one side, he brought wealth and prosperity to the newly independent Rhodiesia then on the other hand, it was the Whites who benefited the most. Lest we forget he massacred thounsads of blacks during the bush wars people!
joel1445 1 year ago
@joel1445 , i think you may need to do a bit more research on Rhodesia and Mr Ian smith before you pass a comment like this one that you have made. Dont get sucked in by the politicaly correct bull shit that certain individuals and certain governments spew forth about this man or about Rhodesia!
whiteozzie1 1 year ago
Ian Douglas Smith and the Rhodies represented the superb character of the British middle and working classes before Britain was ruined by socialism. Think of it, 275,000 British settlers along with their African collaborators built a modern country with an effective military. The idea of modern Britons doing likewise today in a new country is laughable. Almost as laughable as Mugabe and his thugs accomplishing anything more advanced than cannibalism.
Skeptic121 1 year ago 7
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I like the many Fallacies on this platform, you are all dreamers you know , real dreamers , You need to wake up from your wet dreams ladies, Rhodesia, Smith, heroes, these are all fallacies. To the brains behind this racist rhetoric sorry to say but your narrow mindedness is disastrous. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. Black pipo rule , Big up Mugabe
kakomarara 1 year ago
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I like the many Fallacies on this platform, you are all dreamers you know , real dreamers , You need to wake up from your wet dreams ladies, Rhodesia, Smith, heroes, these are all fallacies. To the brains behind this racist rhetoric sorry to say but your narrow mindedness is disastrous. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. Black pipo rule , Big up Mugabe
kakomarara 1 year ago
I like the many Fallacies on this platform, you are all dreamers you know , real dreamers , You need to wake up from your wet dreams ladies, Rhodesia, Smith, heroes, these are all fallacies. To the brains behind this racist rhetoric sorry to say but your narrow mindedness is disastrous. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. Black pipo rule , Big up Mugabe
kakomarara 1 year ago
Yes for RHODESIA,we hate mugabe....
Fascist Italy is for Rhodesia and Southafrica in the Apartheid era
MAXdeMODE 1 year ago
@MAXdeMODE ...well Mr. Mussolini.....I dont think the Rhodies really appreciate being associated with fascist Italy...Please........they may be hard up but they have their standards!
MrZingy 1 year ago
I was teenager in 1980 and I remember the day when Rodhesia became Zimbabwe, with Robert Mugabe as president and I said to a professor of history to the high school that it would be the worse for the worse.
For thirty years, it is the case for the Zimbabweans and it is not any more the fact of the colonizers come from Europe.
The PM of Rhodesia, Ian Smith was right when he warned the international community on the dangers with Robert Mugabe.
All my respect for Ian Smith, from France.
BishopGarnier 1 year ago
@BishopGarnier God Bless Ian Douglas Smith.God Bless Rhodesia. Vive La France!
RhodesianBok 1 year ago
ian smith is a hero, and my mentor,may god rest his soul.
to the poster- is it possible to get a high quality recording of this track from you, so i can enjoy it on my stereo? any info on how to obtain a good copy would be greatly appreciated!
thanks in advance..
preludefan 1 year ago 2
@preludefan
Smith was not a politician, he was a statesman - a man who saw beyond the next election and to the 'bigger picture' for all the people of the country. (Shame he was denied the chance to prove this...)
The track on this clip is available - drop a line to neil@finalsounds.co.za
nrt
enartee 1 year ago
@enartee you hit the nail on the head right there- he wasnt a talker, he was a thinker and a doer, who himself had been farming his entire life and had fought in ww2, he was a realist, and had rhodesia been given the chance she deserved by the world, under smith, perhaps, she would be feeding the rest of the world, instead of the rest of the world feeding zimbabwe....
thanks you the info on the song, and greetings from new zealand
preludefan 1 year ago
Thank you very much for posting. This is a wonderful tribute to one of my heroes.
heiko272 1 year ago
Haha, Smithy was never a racist and, so much so that black rhodesians fought with him, I know many. The bright young black rhodesians that came out of his time are now live happly in the UK, they got out when they could, and are doing very well on the British railways! I'm a Rhodesian and have met many black Rhodesians who are proud to be Rhodesians!
205gtist170 1 year ago
rhodesia will rise again! the only hope for africa is that blacks and whites lives aside from eachother but still both help building the country.
dirtyanal1992 1 year ago
@dirtyanal1992 yeah, id like to see rhodesia rise again, and maybe south africa could follow suit
slimv29 1 year ago
great tribute mr ian smith!!! rise o' voices of rhodesia!!!!
fericitchannel 1 year ago
Mugabe could not wait to wreck this once great country.
Peace,order and prosperity. Not mahem, racism and a destroyed economy.
mrsgritoli1 1 year ago
I'll always treasure that 1978 shot of Maggie Thatcher straightening out Ian Smiths collar in Commons.
pinz2022 1 year ago
rest in peace ian smith great son of zimbabwe and of africa.the evil,muderous,treacherous dictator mugabe shall go the way of all dictators.we shall
wipe away his evil memoriy from our history
hollymoyo 1 year ago
when mugabe goes or dies we tear his carcass and that of his wife and henchmen and feed it to the dogs.just like what happenned to his master ceascescu in romania.I am a black rhodesian/zimbabwean living in canada.our coutry lies in abject desolation
hollymoyo 1 year ago
i miss the days of iain smith.he was a million times better than this buthcher mugabe.i am black and i am proud to say i miss rhodesia.there was no lack of food
,of schools,of jobs,and despite sanctions the country was alive; what a great loss
of a great man.the end on an era; holly moyo ,vancouver
hollymoyo 1 year ago
god bless you smithy!!!!
preludefan 1 year ago
god bless ian smith, what a time it was , rhodesia
mookergee 1 year ago
As a Jamaican for years i had to see black-Africans in Southern Africa live under white Government. South Africa being the last to give up power to Black Man. Why? do we have to go see these things in Africa. What was that all about? I am black thats my land? I am white i developed the land? Whites and blacks in Africa need to move on. Smith and Mugabe are Zimbabwe they both grow up there.
goldenclare 1 year ago
Lovely tribute to my personal hero!
The fact that he was able to keep a country united, and hold back the Russian tide, and the entire world really!, that is testament enough!
Rhodesiaification 2 years ago 5
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Mugabe should have chopped Smiths head.
afannell 1 year ago
afannell: Not if Smith chopped Mugabe's head off first and skull F...... him.
Sunclief 1 year ago
@Sunclief
Well Smith lost to Mugabe.
afannell 1 year ago
That he did but, at what cost to the Zimbabwean people?
Sunclief 1 year ago
To get his land back that was taken by Europeans just like they did in North & South America.
afannell 1 year ago
North and South America do not belong to the black man and never have. To get his land back so you say but look at Zimbabwe now it does not even have a currancy of it's own anymore it has to rely on the US Dollar and SA Rand.
Sunclief 1 year ago
@Sunclief
North & South America belong to the Indeginous people. Zimbabwe is in that state because of negative sactons by Britian & European countries over land that Mugabe was wanting to give back to his people.
afannell 1 year ago
@Afannell: I disagree with you on both accounts North America rightfully belongs to the Native American Indian. Zimbabwe is in that state because Mugabe stole the farms from whites and gave it to a bunch mongs who have no idea how to farm except for subsistance farming and they fail every time.
Sunclief 1 year ago
North American does belong to Native American Indians after what European thugs did by killing them over land the same should be said too after what European thugs did to African over land. Africa belongs to Native Africans only and I would love to move back their one day.
afannell 1 year ago
Well then what are you doing in the United States then fuck back to Africa and you can help Mugabe and Zuma kick the whites out and us whities here in Europe can kick blackies out of Europe.
Sunclief 1 year ago
@afannell did he? Or did Zimbabwe lose in the end. More like the second.
Jbroks86 7 months ago
Plus Mugabe had help from Gahdafi, Castro and member of the Black Panther Militias from the U.S. who joined the fight against Smith.
afannell 1 year ago
I doubt that he did. Your information is very inaccurate.
Sunclief 1 year ago
Hey my relative sneak over to Zimbabwe with a American black militants to join with the ZAPUF to overthrow Smith and the white minority rule.
afannell 1 year ago
@afannell If he did he likely got slotted
starchaser1960 1 year ago
@starchaser1960
Zimbabwe belong to the black the majority!
afannell 1 year ago
@Rhodesiaification but.. he didn't hold back the world? 15 years then UDI ruined Rhodesia. What are you talking about? In the end... democracy.
plarter 1 week ago
Watching this again, I noticed something I'd missed before. At 3:06 or so, you see a side shot of Smith, and the man sitting to Smith's left turns and looks over his left shoulder and up, probably toward a balcony.
That man looks terribly familiar to me, though I'd not noticed him before. I wonder who he was or is?
R3dp055um 2 years ago
I believe that was P K van der Byl - was he the Min of Foreign Affairs at the time?
enartee 2 years ago
@enartee
Ah, yes, van der Byl, I recognize that name. There is a lengthy entry on him at Wikipedia, though some of the info is, well, let's just say I was not familiar with those parts of his life, and leave it at that :)
R3dp055um 2 years ago
That he was. Mr. P.K. van der Byl, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
brineusa 2 years ago
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May soul rest in hell.....second hitler.....for killing black people...racist cunt.
koderkowa 2 years ago
You are entitled to your (young) opinion - but not the foul tongue that brought it - thanks for the visit, bye... nrt
enartee 2 years ago 3
Your comments are uncalled for and are NOT wanted. IF you cannot look at Ian Smith as a great statesman, than raehr do not say anything. DO you think any of your murdering terrorists are or were any better??? Do you think Mugabe or his side kicks are asny better?? Look at yourselves FIRST, before pointing fingers, because your own kind hve done and did do a lot worse than what anyone else ever did. Get your head out of your backside and when you can talk sense , try again.
brineusa 2 years ago 2
@koderkowa -good job you got mugabe looking after you now isnt he really cares for his people. Flood the place and start again is all that can be done now
daithemuff 1 year ago
@koderkowa This man fought Hitler, he put his life on the line in WW2. The only black people he ever killed were the communists terrorists who invaded Rhodesia, attacking and ravaging many black people. Is it not Mugabe who reffered to himself as Hitler tenfold?
94Colonial 10 months ago
That was a man.
Schoggodrops 2 years ago
lets not forget that mugabe ruined zimbabwe from being a rich country to a begger of african states, you may not understand this but go live there and i promise you, you will change your atitude very fast! Ian Smith was not apartheid he just believed in responsible governance and judging by mugabes performance he was right!
benjaminjean1984 2 years ago
You don't know the story, he did have right hand senior black MP Muzorewaa and the likes who ran the country, mugabe did not want a coalition government and sought independance. Lets not forget it was late 70's early 80's no country had good racial equality including america and britain.
benjaminjean1984 2 years ago 2
Bless you, Smithy. You were a courageous man.
Excellent work, enartee. And I like the way you just use music for the soundtrack, with no commentary, just letting the pictures tell their own story.
Well done, and thank you.
R3dp055um 2 years ago
Music and pictures works well for our generation, R3dp055um, but younger people need to know more. Each picture tells a story, but so often it is our knowledge of the background - what is not in the picture - that makes the picture powerful. I hope someone equipped to provide that background provides a voiceover for up and coming generations.
Myrmecia 2 years ago
For the simple reason that he realised from personal experience that Blacks were genetically incapable of ruling a First-World civilised state - as the history of the whole of Black Africa has proved - with the track record of the subsequent ZANU-PF regime in "Zimbabwe" being a classic and indisputable example.
AlanDHarvey 2 years ago
I do not think Ian Smith would have wholeheartedly supported your tone and apparent intent here, Alan. I suggest you read Smith's account of "Bob" on pages 55 and 56 of his book "Bitter Harvest". Smith position was more compassionate, sophisticated, subtle and nuanced that the position you portray as your own here.
Myrmecia 2 years ago
@Myrmecia Alas I think that your comments are ill-informed. IDS fought gallantly for the preservation of civilised rule in that land between the Zambezi and the Limpopo for 14 years, enjoying far more support at grass-roots level in the outside than most people in Rhodesia itself alas realised. He knew Africa and he knew Africans, and had nothing but contempt for Mugabe at the end of his life. Subsequent developments in that beleaguered land have, of course, proved IDS completely correct.
AlanDHarvey 1 year ago 2
I am in full agreement with all you say, Alan. All. You don't address my comment, but let it ride: we share our admiration for IDS and what he stood for. Let's leave it at that.
Myrmecia 1 year ago
@Myrmecia Many thanks for these kind comments, and of course it was most encouraging to learn that you agreed with all I said. I'm afraid that I don't know specifically what your comment was that I evidently never addressed however.
AlanDHarvey 1 year ago
Goodbye 'glorifyme44' - I hope you find your peace someday, somewhere, but it will not be on this cahnnel. nrt
enartee 2 years ago
Simply because they were not ready for it at that stage. The growth process to include blacks in government had already started in the early 60s; pressure from the (ignorant and unfamiliar) western powers brought eventual change - plus the actual cost of self defence. A refined black businessman once said to me 'The day a black person can design and build a jumbo jet, then only can we begin to class ourselves as equals...' Please hold your racist views to yourself until you know better? nrt
msasauk 2 years ago 3
I think he was a kind man, Gloryfyne44 - given that all successful political leaders have to be tough. He enjoyed a long and happy marriage (in a part of the world where divorce often seemed the norm!), and he was respected for his fairness by most of the country's Blacks - a rarity for White leaders in Africa!
AlanDHarvey 2 years ago
In studying Ian Smith I find that he was no politician. He was a leader.
hammerofuglytruth 2 years ago 17
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....so were Hilter and Pol Pot!
MrZingy 2 years ago
What Zimbabwe was before(Rhodesia) was Ian Smith. People eating not starving like they are now. People receiving medical care not literally shitting themselves to death like they are now. Infrastructure maintained now streets have become open sewers. Blacks not equals now all blacks equally miserable in Mugabe's Zimbabwe.
hammerofuglytruth 2 years ago 13
coming from the supporter of a man who wants to be a "hitler-tenfold"
albertaforalbertans 2 years ago
He was a leader in the hearts of men, a statesman, a wise councillor, like Washington or Wallace, first in war first in peace first in the hearts of his countrymen. May he rest in peace.
RhodesiaTribute 2 years ago 3
There is something romantic about the pioneer fighting the world. Such was the lot of the Rhodesian white, romantically speaking. People like to think such trials are what make the truly elite, truly elite. Of course, such thoughts are probably rubbish, but I must confess I have them anyway. I must say, however, that the beauty of a white Rhodesian girl I knew at bible school did not do anything to disabuse me of such thoughts. I wonder if blacks have anything they can compare this to?
mybrotherkeeper 2 years ago 4
Yes they do....its called the USA...the greatest nation in the world. All powerful and righteous.....united by diversity and an enduring set of values.
MrZingy 2 years ago
What I am talking about is best illustrated by the following: In America, we had the "wild west" as our romantic thing that white men often had to hearken to. I told a black friend once that Africa had greater stories than our American west. Compare taming the buffalo to fighting man-eating lions! But where are those movies, those stories? I hope the world can see some of those stories before Jesus comes back. It would add to the human race's story. Do you know what I mean? Am I clearer?
mybrotherkeeper 2 years ago
How is the USA attributable to blacks may I ask? They were slaves for the first 150 years of its history....? Not insinuating blacks are inferior (I'm no racist) but would like to get a grasp on your reasoning.
RhodesiaTribute 2 years ago
good to see discussion guys, but if you wish to make it an ongoing process, can you please do this via your normal email means - this column is really only for comment? nrt
enartee 2 years ago
I had the very great honour of being able to meet the Hon. Ian Douglas Smith on several occasions towards the end of his life. What impressed me the most was his optimistic pro-British sentiment (in spite of being a so-called "rebel"!) and his complete faith in the younger British generation. With that kind of attitude Britain's Imperial glories can be re-built, and the Rhodesian spirit will rise again from out of the ashes of Mugabe's "Zimbabwe" - to the benefit of ALL races!
AlanDHarvey 2 years ago 4
thanks for the visit and thoughtful comment Alan - there will always be a side to the man that will remain an enigma for a lot of people!
enartee 2 years ago
Thanks Enartee. The only enigma about Ian Smith is that people fail to appreciate the sickening mindset of the 1960s which effected the West. Ian Smith was a global Briton - an Imperial patriot in a sense known both before and since. Many in the UK at the time thought he'd make a better and more loyal British PM than either Wilson or Heath. He wasn't a man behind the times, he was a man decades ahead of his time. That's why he had such great faith in the coming generation of young Britons.
AlanDHarvey 2 years ago
how did u meet him
fdjfsjdfggs 2 years ago
I first met the Hon. Ian Douglas Smith briefly at the Rhodesian Parliament in Salisbury in 1976, when I was a member of a party of 5 [then] young British patriots who fully supported our Rhodesian kith and kin. Ian Smith subsequently visited the UK four times during the final years of his life (late '90s and early 2000's) in order to promote his biography "The Great Betrayal", and through my membership of various patriotic expatriate organisations I was able to meet him again on each occasion.
AlanDHarvey 2 years ago
only God knows what is in the hearts of men, Ian Smith left this world anyway, so it will be God that judges him. We have today to work with. glorifyme44, I would love to have a discussion, I find african politics quite fascinating.
albertaforalbertans 2 years ago
he didnt seem racist when I read his book. "Blacks were uneducated because they were forced down by colonial powers, it is our duty as their descendents to educate them"
"We had a policy, if we ever came to rule rhodesia, that you would be judged on merit and not the color of your skin"
There were, and still are, white racists, as black racists, arguing the point will accomplish nothing though, we need to work on today. I like to have talk with you, discussing things brings solutions out.
albertaforalbertans 2 years ago
enartee, thank you for posting this homage to a great man! As an ex-Rhodesian, I consider him to have been one of the most courageous men of the history of the country. R.I.P. Mr Smith
rafaeladrianayolanda 2 years ago 3
yep u black people really screwed SA..way to go glorifyme44
spartanjaq 2 years ago
apartheid was ok cause it kept south africa in order
spartanjaq 2 years ago
wrong glorifyme44 IAN SMITH was an amazing leader...during the bush wars he got white and black men to stand together and fight mugabe....mugabe is a terrorist who should be burned alive
spartanjaq 2 years ago
bang right on thats what rhodesians dont get, smith and bob are one of the same shit, bush, botha idi amin sadam, they are cunts
Phoonguy 2 years ago
bush and smith rule phoonguy
spartanjaq 2 years ago
Ian Smith - a legend and brilliant leader. He is definitely in heaven.
Spetznaz24 2 years ago 3
I agree that the colour of your skin has nothing to do with your ability to do the job. I have nothing against other colours, we are all human it is just hte picment of our skin that differs
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
We love living in africa it is a beautifull continant. The people are great unfortuniatly you have some bad elements but it is not only in africa.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
In SA - during apartheid - Asians (particularly Indians and similar nationalities) were rated as BLACKS - now under the black government they are rated as Whites and are lesser than most other races - although higher rated than whites
Astromagical 2 years ago
yes
Astromagical 2 years ago
It would be wonderful for you to try......... in SA you might get away with it, in Zim you will be locked up or killed. Don't know about the rest of africa. Apartheid was a SA thing and would not have been comlained about by the rest of the world except it was a law and this was wrong.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
It was not Mandela that let crime get out of hand it was the rest of the goverment that ruled and made the constitution that gave crimanals more rights than there victims and took away the death penalty which was a major deterent.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
Yes - especially if you are white
Astromagical 2 years ago
not Mandela, he was the best President that SA ever had. The ANC and all it's BS has caused the problems in a once 1st world country.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
there was no apartheid in rhodesia
Astromagical 2 years ago
Yes all manorities are dicriminated against. Crime and coruption has dessicated many of the main infastracteres and this is causing a problem.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
have no problem with someone gtting a job that they can do. It is when they get given the job only because they are black. The problem then becomes that you have less production and more unemployment. Because of coruption a lot of business go under.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
Rape is a problem through out the world and has no colour differentation. Not to sure what your stats are in US but in SA the stats was standing at every 3 min a woman is raped. this does not include children or men.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
Not all whites have money. The problem is in the old SA people got jobs because they were capable of doing the job but in the new SA you get the job because you are black so you have a lot of people that is employed but has no idee of what the hell they are doing. Blacks is driving cars that some white people can only dream of. the unemployment is rife. Plenty of white is living in squatter camp because they have been retenched in favour of blacks with no ar little experence.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
what is a tanned-skinned non white, non black person anyways? Anyone is a target in south africa and zimbabwe - especially a foreigner who is unprepared for the violence in what were once peaceful countries.
Yes you are not safe there. But if you live there being white means you are the lowest of the low followed by asian, then mixed race......
Astromagical 2 years ago
If you come into afica with your attitude you can be sure of violance against you because you will insite violance. If you want to come into africa get your facts correct dont bring politics just us dollars.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
so what are you saying exactly ???- this sounds distinctly like a contradiction to your earlier arguments?
The question is "Who are YOU to judge"? I as born there, lived there, lived through the war and united with both black and white and would go back tomorrow to help build my homeland and uplift the country to its former glory - no matter what it is called. I would happily live hand-in-hand with my fellow Rhodesians/Zimbabweans as they are a culture that can match no other.
Astromagical 2 years ago
We live with these aficans everyday of our lifes. Try and spend a few years in Zim or SA as a white person and feel the racism generated towards you. You will soon learn that not all whites or blacks ae rascist but there are always exceptions that causse problems for everyone. You will soon change your tune.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
You seem to have a problem with skin colour are you rascist? I grew up in the old africa and lots that was done was unfair but a lot more unfairness is happenning now. At this present moment it is just rascism in reverse. The blacks get preverance for work over the whites. In America this is called affimative action. In SA and Zim it is still a form of rascism
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
I agree blacks and whites should rule together but try and put this into effect in africa and you running into the barrel of a gun. So who is rascist. Not us Whites
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
SA and Zim black do not sometimes tolerate any other skin colour. and sometimes they do not even tolerate other blacks. They will kill each other for tribal differances. They are friendly and a lot of them are trust worthy, like all people of the world. Unfortunatly they have this chip on there shoulder that has been put there by communist nations that says that they are better than everyone else.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
so do you say that living in the past is good? Ian Smith was never charged with war crimes - he never accused villagers of being traitors, cut off their ears and lips, made their wives cook them and then force both to eat the "dinner" - that was Mugabe and the "freedom fighters". ian Smith and his troops never raped the women and then killed them for being pregnant with unpure children.........
Ian Smith tried to protect all his people - black and white.
Astromagical 2 years ago
By the sound of it you are living in a dream world. SA only mistake was making a law (apartheid) and this caused the resr of the world to loose favour. SA has done nothing different than the rest of the world has done. Smith tried to right the wrong of the past and was sold out by the western world. If you know your history of Rhodesia then you would know your facts. Until then go to the library.
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
You living in a nut shell. A lot of your quotes that you are quoting are not smith's you got all your fact wrong. You must see what we see in SA and Zim on a daily basis then you might get some sense of reality
nobulljustreality 2 years ago
hey nobull - you are stating the results of freedom - and the freedom fight which resulted in no freedom and life on the verge of death for all except mugabe and the anc's cronies and corrupt governments
Astromagical 2 years ago
where do you get this shite abomut a certain income that you are so obsessed about? White farmers farmed the majority of the land because they had the expertise and made the country propser (not without the help of the farm-hands who were black and also profited).
Smithy co-operated with SA because racist britain and racist america imposed sanctions on Rhodesia and south africa supplied the country with what was needed until it became self-sufficient
Astromagical 2 years ago
The blacks were NOT second to everything - they were a part of everything - it was a united nation where people lived in harmony except for the dissident minority - Mugabe and co - who wanted power for themselves with no regard for the people.
How can you say that the white still rule everything in the usa when obama is president? I think your vision is blurred as are your opinions...
Astromagical 2 years ago
he was opposed by the world because he was fair and treated everyone equally - look at the world now. The dominating nations thrive on disrupting other nations........ Racism, segregation and conflict is rife. Ian Smith removed Rhodesia from colonialist, racist britain's clutches and control.
he allowed and appreciated equality and everybody's contribution and recognised it. What other leader has done this??
Astromagical 2 years ago
The what use is a black president if the whites still control everything???? I still believe you are misinformed but certainly KNOW that you are misinformed about RHODESIA and IAN SMITH.
Astromagical 2 years ago
Barack osama does not lead a majority in the USA - what smithy said could easily apply to him now.... who is to say that a government is evil because they deliver economic success and stability - even if they ARE the minority......... why would they be evil??? so what is wrong with this comment - i think most people today would appreciate a country with that kind of stability.
Astromagical 2 years ago
If you had lived there you would know that everybody was merited for their contributions. Farms could not run without the black labourers - whether the farms were owned by black or white or other. Banks and businesses were full of black staff as they knew the culture and were the best for the job.
Racism was only there before UDI - based on directives from the british government of which rhodesia had been a colony.
Whites and blacks built the country together. It was RHODESIA.
Astromagical 2 years ago
You obviously intend to live in your delusional state of objection and opinionated ignorance.
I never said he built it by himself - that is a physical impossibily unless on a remote island with a population of 1.
He unified the nation, and with support from all races pulling together, it became the breadbasket of africa - a little country shaped like a teapot supplied most of africa with food. It was prosperous under his rule.
Astromagical 2 years ago
Youa re misinformed! Read the history - there is enough on the web without even having to go to and educational place like a library
Astromagical 2 years ago
and who are you to say - living in the USA and not knowing the history or the people? You listen to media reports of a history ytou do not know.
you argue that whites are not original rhodesians. the same argument applies to the USA - blacks ande whites are NOT original americans but you have a black president.... now what? ahh he must be racist because he does not have majority rule either.!
Astromagical 2 years ago
I was forced out of God's Country by Mugabe and his goons many years ago, but as soon he is gone I want to go back to rebuild my home, my country, my nation. And my sentiments are shared by hundreds of thousands of displaced Rhodesians - both black and white - because it is home and we all want to see it regain its former glory.
I am a white woman who is not racist but saw Ian Smith's vision and the results of a unified country until international interference destroyed it.
Astromagical 2 years ago
Because he knew what was coming - as has been proven - poverty, dictatorship, death, destruction, corruption, inflation, etc. The same as almost every other african country in history with majority rule.
Ian Smith built a nation - its so sad to see it fall.
Astromagical 2 years ago
They have control and what has happened? The country that was known as the bread-basket of africa is now only the breadbasket for mugabe and his cronies.
Read the history - I lived it...... as did my friends both black and white. Ian smith was a saviour of a nation - not the tyrannical racist you claim he was!
Astromagical 2 years ago
you sound like someone who has no idea of the realisty of what went on in Rhodesia. You cannot say he was a racist when everyone ate, lived comfortably, co-operated, trusted each other and enjoyed life whilst under his government.
Everyone lived in harmony, especially after he declared UDI and extracted the country from the clutches of the racist british government who dictated the segregation and governmental policies.
Astromagical 2 years ago
get educated - smith did not suppress the blacks - atrocities were carried out by mugabe's 5th brigade - not the whites
Astromagical 2 years ago
Then they have their own homelands, and we did the best we could, so in that case we should let them be, not interfere, that would also bring the chaos to the white areas.
But I don't think things will mess up when we put back white minority rule, fully educate three or more generations of blacks, and then slowly work towards self-governed homelands.
liquid0celot 2 years ago