Midwife of nationalist political movements

ALMOST all nationalist political parties were born in Highfield.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) — a successor to the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress (ANC) that had been banned on February 26, 1959 — was formed on January 1, 1960 after a series of preparatory meetings by young men such as Cdes Michael Mawema, Morton Malianga, Ariston Chambati, Willie Musarurwa, Mark Nziramasanga, Nazario Marondera, Esau Nyandoro, George Silundika, Christopher Mushonga and Zebediah Gamanya at Cde Sketchley Samkange’s house, number 99, Engineering Section, Highfield.

It was arguably the NDP that thrust Dr Joshua Nkomo at the helm of nationalist politics, as he was to be elected President in October 1960. He was deputised by Cde Malianga. Cde George Silundika was the Secretary-General, while Rev Sithole was Treasurer, Cde Mugabe (Publicity Secretary), Cde Joseph Msika (Secretary for External Affairs), Cde Jane Ngwenya (Secretary for Women) and Cde Clement Muchachi (Secretary for Youth).

It was, however, banned on December 9, 1961.

But 10 days later, on December 19, ZAPU was formed with virtually the same leadership as the NDP.

The most notable development was the appointment of Dr Samuel Parirenyatwa as the vice president.

The determined Rhodesian authorities later banned ZAPU on September 20, 1962.

Due to the differences in the political movement, ZANU was later to be formed on August 8, 1963 in Highfield.

In his book, “The Struggle for Zimbabwe (1935-2004)”, the late Professor Chengetai Zvobgo, who was Eddison’s younger brother, chronicled how ZANU was formed.

“Reverend Sithole came home (from Tanzania) at the end of July to rally support and to found a new organisation. Eddison (Zvobgo) was assigned to draft the constitution and the policy statement of the new party . . . he completed the draft on August 4,1963,” he wrote.

“The Zimbabwe African National Union was launched on 8 August, 1963 at Enos Nkala’s house in Highfield, Salisbury.”