A Brief History of Zimbabwe Then and Now

A brief history of Zimbabwe then and now will put everything into perspective. The official name of Zimbabwe is the Republic of Zimbabwe. It is a beautiful landlocked country in Southern Africa surrounded by two rivers: the Zambezi River in the north and the Limpopo River in the south. To fully understand its history, let’s go way back in time.

1. The Pre-Colonial era (1000-1887).
2. The Colonial era (1890-1980).
3. Independence (1980-2000).
4. The Present (2000-present).

Zimbabwe Former Names

• Southern Rhodesia (1898)
• Rhodesia (1965)
• Zimbabwe Rhodesia (1979)

Zimbabwe Bordering Countries

• South Africa – to the south.
• Botswana – to the south-west.
• Zambia – to the north.
• Mozambique – to the east.

Zimbabwe Capital & Large City

Harare is Zimbabwe’s capital and also the largest city. Bulawayo is the second largest city. Other much smaller cities include Chitungwiza, Mutare, Epworth, and Gweru.

Zimbabwe Population

At the time of writing this post, Zimbabwe has an estimated population of 16,324,401. Approximately 32% of the population lives in urban areas. Most ethnic groups have patriarchal families. A typical family today comprises a husband, a wife, and at least two children.

Zimbabwe Demographics

• The largest group is the Shona, comprising 70%
• The second largest group is the Ndebele at 20%.
• Other Bantu ethnic groups, including Venda, Tonga, Shangaan, Nambya and Kalanga.
• White Zimbabweans account for less than 1% of the country’s population, mostly of British origin and small numbers of Greek, Portuguese, French and Dutch.
• Mixed-race people account for 0.5% of the population.

Zimbabwe Official Languages

English	Shona
Ndebele	Chibarwe
Kalanga	Koisan
Nambya	Shangani
Sign language	Sotho
Tonga	Tswana
Chewa	Ndau
Venda	Xhosa

Zimbabwe Religion

• Christianity- 84% who are the majority
• Protestantism–69.2%
• 10.2% No religion
• Traditional faiths – 4.5%
• Others–1.2%

Approximately half the population practices a blend of Christian and indigenous religions. Approximately 50-70% of Zimbabweans belong to mainstream Christian denominations: Catholics, Anglicans and Methodists. The remaining population continues to believe in indigenous religions.

Several indigenous churches and groups have emerged from the mainstream denominations. Evangelical denominations, primarily Pentecostal churches and apostolic groups, have been the fastest-growing religious groupings.

Islam accounts for one percent of the population. Other minority religions include practitioners of Greek Orthodoxy and Judaism. There are also small numbers of Hindus, Buddhists, Bahais, and atheists.’

Zimbabwe Culture

The Shona ethnic group makes up 70% of the population. The Ndebele makes up about 20 per cent. A small minority of Asians and whites of descent are approximately 5 percent each. Over centuries, Zimbabwe has created its self-containment and functionality at a local level. The family and community deal with issues of importance. The family unit still plays a significant role in Zimbabwean society. Many things build upon it, making it the foundation.

It’s not surprising that the family and community deal with all the major ingredients of a vibrant society, which include religion, education, politics and governance, peace and conflict resolution.

History of Zimbabwe Migration

Migration is not a new trend to be associated with Zimbabweans. For years, Zimbabweans have been crossing borders into neighbouring countries. In the 1970s, Zimbabweans migrated to work in South Africa’s gold mines (wenela miners) searching for jobs.

Today, Zimbabweans living in South Africa often return for visits every six months or more. Most left for reasons relating to the economy and employment. Migration to the United Kingdom (UK) stemmed from Zimbabwe’s long ties with Britain and we can trace them back to the 1890s. During this period, the then Rhodesia became a fully fledged member of the British Empire.

However, the nineteenth century saw unprecedented events with more people leaving for neighbouring countries. Some arrived as far as the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), Australia, Canada and New Zealand, to name a few popular destinations.

Why Did Zimbabweans Leave The Country of Milk & Honey?

The period between 1980-1990 goes down in history as a time Zimbabwe was experiencing economic and political turmoil. A mass exodus of people ensued to seek asylum but others were in search of greener pastures.

The initial wave of significant migration was by white Zimbabweans who left in 1980, soon after Zimbabwe had gained its formal independence from Britain. The land crisis created an environment that was unfavourable for them. As a result, many packed their bags and left the country.

The second wave of migration ensued because of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund’s Structural Adjustment Programmes (ESAP). This programme had an unforetold impact, and instead of boosting the economy, it caused untold economic hardships. The poor became poorer, while the rich became richer.

The third wave began in 1998, fuelled by an unhealthy climate brewed by political and social unrest in the country. In a nutshell, Zimbabweans did not leave because of one push factor. Some arrived as labour migrants, others as students, and some as undocumented migrants.

Transnational & Diasporic Links

Zimbabweans who have migrated and settled in other countries have always maintained links with people back home. This goes to show that home is best. Home will always be home. Nearly everyone maintained regular social contact with family members in Zimbabwe. Most send remittances to support family members and general support for people in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans stick together through thick and thin. The diaspora people donated towards the Tsholotsho flood victims (2017). Also, towards the deadly storms and floods in Manicaland (2020).

Watch Wode Maya Video – Zimbabwe Is NOT What I Expected!

What Makes Zimbabwe Stand Out from the Crowd?

Did you know Zimbabwe is the country with the most official languages in the world? This is a Guinness World Record. The 18th of April is Zimbabwe Independence Day. The day she attained her independence from British Colonial Rule in 1980. Every 18th of April, people celebrate with annual festivities.

Zimbabwe shares Victoria falls with Zambia. Its massive wall of water is the most famous waterfall in the world. Known by its indigenous ‘Most-oa-Tunya’, meaning ‘the Smoke that Thunders.’ Along its border with Zambia, Zimbabwe has the world’s largest man-made Lake Kariba. It is one of the most famous destinations for anglers in Africa, a major source of hydroelectric power for Zimbabwe and Zambia and close to Matusadona National Park and Chete Safari Area.

Zimbabwe is home to Great Zimbabwe and is close to Masvingo town. According to history, Great Zimbabwe was the capital of a great kingdom between the 9th century and the 15th century, built by the ancestral Shona (2). The house of stones (zimbaramabwe) is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.CO.

The primary legal tender in Zimbabwe is the “Zimbabwe Dollar.” Also, it is possible to transact using the US Dollar at the official exchange rate. Hopefully, you find this post How Much Do You Know About Zimbabwean History? informative. Please leave comments and questions below. I will be more than happy to respond.

References

• Watch Wode Maya YouTube Video – Zimbabwe Is NOT What I Expected!
• Great Zimbabwe: African City of Stone, Live Science, 10 March 2017.