Documentation and Memorialisation of the First Battles against Colonisation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The first few years of British occupation in Zimbabwe was characterised by power struggle between the indigenous population groups who were dissatisfied with systematic settler style of dispossessing them of their wealth and power. The result was local and regional wars, (Rebellions/ Uprisings/ Umvhukela/ 1st Chimurenga). After the war, the British South African Company (BSAC) documented and memorialised most prominent battles of the conflict and yet the indigenous people who could not read and write could not do the same. The article seeks to motivate Zimbabweans to recognise the participation of the indigenous people into this conflict as a historic event whose documentation and memorialisation is an important component of the liberation heritage of Zimbabwe. The documentation and memorialisation of the conflict by the other belligerent is enough authentication that the indigenous people staged a brave and heroic fight which doubtlessly was characterised by commitment to a genuine cause of the black people to protect their birth right. It is only the inability to read and write of our ancestry which has mandated us to accept the description of the era as a dark history, which is worthy documentation and memorialisation for the benefit of the present and future generation. The researchers employed qualitative research method of acquiring data through desktop research and observation techniques. The article came to conclusion that the war between Zimbabwe and the then Rhodesia and their opponents should be documented so as to assist the present generation appreciate the history of the nation and preserve their heritage.