Discuss the role played by Cecil John Rhodes in the colonization of Zimbabwe

Discuss the role played by Cecil John Rhodes in the colonization of Zimbabwe

By Brian Maregedze

The key issue is the discussion on Rhodes’ contribution towards the occupation of Zimbabwe in 1890
Candidates may focus on the following;
Rhodes’ involvement in signing of a number of treaties for example the Moffat Treaty, Rudd Concession all which spear headed the ultimate colonization of Zimbabwe
His financial background- he owned De Beers Mining Company. He was filthy rich to a point of sponsoring the colonization process of Zimbabwe
Ability to bribe\very corrupt personality- Lotshe abd Sikombi Lobengua’s indunas were bribed
Ability to mobilize military support- published in the new posts with lucrative benefits
Cape to Cairo dream- aimed at painting Africa red. Hence was geared towards having a railway line stretching from Cape to Cairo. Thus for this project to succeed all Nations through which the line was to pass through were to be colonized.
Photo: Cecil John Rhodes

Belief in the existence of the 2ND Rand- he had high hopes of the 2ND Rand following the discovery of diamonds in South Africa. The belt was assumed to be moving to the north across the Limpopo River
Rhodes’ imperialism and his racist bigotry- hoped to create a large British empire; hence Southern Africa became an eyesore.

However, the role of the British Empire in facilitating the colonization of Zimbabwe is worth commenting on. In as much as Rhodes had imperialistic plans, Britain anointed him by sponsoring the the British South Africa Company (BSAC).

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