Zimbabwe Independence Day

Flag of ZimbabweIn the 12th and 17th centuries, the Monomotapa state existed in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The heyday of Monomotapa dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, when its political influence extended far beyond the interfluve. In 1693, as a result of internecine wars, Monomotapa was destroyed by the Rozvi tribes. In 1834, the Matabele under the leadership of their chief, Mzilikazi, invaded what is now Zimbabwe and subjugated the state of the Rozvi.

Fifty years later, this territory was captured by English colonizers and was called Southern Rhodesia. In 1923, Britain declared Southern Rhodesia an autonomous colony. On November 11, 1965, the “white” government led by Ian Smith unilaterally declared independence while maintaining a racist regime in the country, but no state, including Britain, recognized it.

The armed struggle of Africans against the racist regime led to the declaration of independence of the African state of Zimbabwe in April 1980.