Forty-five years on, Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia, gained independence in 1980 after a protracted struggle against colonial rule. The names of provinces and regions, however, remain a lingering reminder of this past. Manicaland, for example, derives its name from the colonial term for the area’s indigenous people, the Amanyika. Similarly, Mashonaland and Matabeleland reflect divisions imposed during the colonial era, aimed at controlling the local populace and resources. These names not only signify geographical regions but also encapsulate a history of oppression and exploitation. Even the way they are pronounced is not how true Zimbabweans pronounce the words.
In recent years, the government has initiated efforts to rename certain streets as part of a broader strategy to decolonise the nation’s identity. Streets named after colonial figures have been replaced with names honouring local and international heroes and significant events in the struggle for the nation’s independence. While these efforts are commendable, they represent a piecemeal approach to decolonisation. The focus on urban areas, while neglecting the broader provincial identities, suggests a complete misunderstanding of how deeply colonialism permeated society.
The continued use of colonial names for provinces undermines the very essence of independence that Zimbabwe fought so hard to achieve. It sends a contradictory message: while we may be free from colonial rule, we still live within a framework that celebrates its legacy. Leaders must recognise that true decolonisation involves more than just renaming streets, it requires a comprehensive re-evaluation of how we identify ourselves as a nation.
Changing the names of provinces could serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it would facilitate a stronger sense of national identity, uniting people under names that reflect their history, culture and aspirations. Secondly, it would honour the indigenous populations that were marginalised during colonial rule, acknowledging their rightful place in the narrative of the nation.
As Zimbabwe marks 45 years of independence, it is time for our leaders to confront the colonial identities embedded in our regions. The focus on renaming streets, while important, should not distract from the larger issue at hand. The names of provinces represent a significant aspect of our national identity that requires urgent attention. By addressing this oversight, Zimbabwe can take a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and representative identity, reflecting the rich tapestry of its people and their history.
In the quest for true independence, it is essential that we not only remember the past but also actively work to reshape it. In doing so, Zimbabwe can move closer to realising the vision of a united, self-determined nation that honours its heritage while embracing its future.
For discussion’s sake: “What do Manicaland, Matabeleland and Mashonaland mean to a true Zimbabwean?”
by Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi

Pindula News

Zimbabwe used to be called Southern Rhodesia and gained independence in 1980. The names of some provinces still remind people of colonial times. The government is renaming streets to honor local heroes, but not changing province names. This makes it seem like Zimbabwe is still celebrating its colonial past. Changing province names could help create a stronger national identity and honor the indigenous people. Leaders need to focus on renaming provinces, not just streets. This will help Zimbabwe move towards a more inclusive and representative identity. It's time to confront the colonial past and reshape the future.

Time to rename Zimbabwe’s Provincials

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the British Government to issue an apology to Zimbabwe for a century of colonial rule that dispossessed indigenous people of their land and subjected them to various forms of abuse.
He also demanded reparations and restitution for the exploitation of Zimbabwe during the colonial period, which lasted from 1890 to 1980.
Mnangagwa made these remarks during the launch of a study initiated by the Zimbabwe National Elders Forum (ZNEF), titled “Land Displacements: The Untold Stories of Crimes, Injustices, Trauma, and Losses Experienced by Indigenous Zimbabweans During the Colonial Era (1890-1980): A Case for Reparations.” He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/colonial-brutality-president-demands-britains-apology-elders-council-on-a-mission-for-reparations/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We have observed and indeed quite recently, as former colonial powers; the United Kingdom apologising to the Mau Mau of Kenya and Germany also apologising to the Mbanderu, Herero and Nama people of Namibia.
Therefore, we ask, when are the rest of us in the former colonies going to receive similar apologies from these people, the colonisers, the British? We wonder. We need it, they must apologise.
It is no secret that colonial violence was brutal and systematic and those of us old enough to tell the tale, still bear scars and associated trauma from the violence.
We remember this more than a century later because the residual effects of decades-long pain and bitterness are still real.
Indeed, we can no longer remain silent while our people carry the scars of a painful and cruel past.
Equally, the subject of reparations is not new but the calls for restitution continue to grow louder and louder.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe National Elders Forum (ZNEF) comprises distinguished Zimbabweans from various sectors, including the clergy, academia, and business.
During his address, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is already compensating white former farmers for improvements made on farms that were redistributed by the State.
He asserted that it was the British who should have been the first to pay reparations to Zimbabwe, stating that such reparations could have been used to compensate the white farmers. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
In retrospect, it is the colonial power that should have compensated Zimbabwe first and Zimbabwe then using part of the reparations to compensate the white former farmers for the improvements.
We realise that national healing will not be complete without the empathy similar to that accorded to the said farmers.
It is, therefore, important for our key knowledge industries and institutions to support this study by the Elders Forum so that we harvest as many enriching insights into the human experiences of colonialism and its aftermath.
</blockquote>
The President assured ZNEF of government support and urged Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, to back the initiative.
Professor Mandivamba Rukuni, an expert involved in the study, stated that the project would require at least US$5 million to cover costs such as travel and hiring experts.
The project has two main goals: to take the colonisers to court to win reparations and to demand a formal apology.
Prof. Rukuni said they have studied similar cases in Namibia and Kenya. By the time they are ready for litigation, they plan to hire top legal minds, not only in Zimbabwe but also in the colonizers’ jurisdictions.
The strategy involves finding them guilty in their own countries and in the countries of their allies, ensuring they are held accountable and compelled to pay, according to Prof. Rukuni.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa wants Britain to say sorry and pay for hurting Zimbabwe during colonial times. He believes the British should apologize and give reparations for the bad things they did to Zimbabweans. A group of wise Zimbabwean elders agrees with him and wants to make sure the British pay up. They are studying what happened during colonization and plan to take the British to court. The President supports this plan and hopes Zimbabweans will also support it. They want the British to be held responsible for their actions and pay for the damage they caused.

Mnangagwa Calls For British Apology And Reparations For Colonial Abuses

Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, has expressed concerns about illegal migration and suggested that international law may need to be changed to address the issue. Speaking at an event in Rome, Sunak stated that immigration could be used as a “weapon” by “enemies” to destabilise societies, <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/rishi-sunak-says-migration-threatens-to-overwhelm-europe-13031810">Sky News</a> reported. He warned that criminal gangs would exploit people’s lives by putting them at risk in dangerous sea journeys.
Sunak highlighted the need to tackle the problem, stating that if it is not addressed, the number of migrants will continue to increase and overwhelm countries’ capacity to assist those who genuinely need it. He said:
<blockquote>
If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow.
It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most.
If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that.
Because if we don’t fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.
</blockquote>
In the UK, Sunak has been facing challenges in passing his flagship Rwanda bill, which was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court. The bill aims to declare Rwanda as a safe country in law. Despite potential rebellion, a revised version of the bill was passed by Members of Parliament at its second reading. The revised bill allows ministers to disapply the UK’s Human Rights Act but does not extend the same powers to the European Convention on Human Rights, as demanded by some hardline Tory MPs.
Europe is a popular destination for people from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East who are seeking better economic opportunities or fleeing from conflicts in their own countries. However, European countries have been facing challenges in accommodating the increasing number of migrants, especially due to the global economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, European countries have been reviewing their immigration policies to become more restrictive.
The issue of migration has brought up discussions about the historical legacies of slavery and colonization. Some analysts argue that while African countries have a responsibility to develop their own economies, Europe should not close its doors to migrants, considering that it benefited from Africa’s natural resources during colonial times and also took advantage of Africa’s human resources during the Industrial Revolution. These events had a negative impact on African economies.
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