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A short history of Zimbabwe
Present-day Zimbabwe was the site of a large and complex African civilization in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was populated by descendants of the Bantu tribes, who had migrated from the north around the 10th century. Mainly pastoral, evidence of their lifestyle may be seen in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, near the present-day town of Masvingo.
The first contact with Europeans was with the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century. Relations between the two were fairly stable – the Portuguese were largely concerned with ensuring communications between their colonies in Angola and Mozambique on either side of Zimbabwe - Until the1830s, when the region was thrown into upheaval by the northward migration of the Ndebele people from South Africa.
The Ndebele, who espoused a Zulu warrior tradition, effectively enslaved the indigenous Shona people until the end of the century. At this point, a new aggressive breed of colonists arrived in the form of British mining interests led by Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company (BSAC).
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The BSAC took control of the country – which they called ‘Southern Rhodesia’ – until 1923, when it became, nominally, a British colony. This followed a referendum (for whites only) on joining the Union of South Africa. Despite attractive terms from South African leader Jan Smuts, there was a heavy vote against the merger. From 1953–63, Southern Rhodesia formed part of the Central African Federation with neighboring Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland (now Malawi).
In 1965, to resist decolonization, the settlers – with South African support – issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI). This triggered a bitter civil war between the white minority government and fighters for African independence, ending only in 1980, with the granting of independence and the holding of a general election under British auspices, which was won decisively by Robert Mugabe’s ZANU party. The main focus of dissent in the early years was from Joshua Nkomo’s ZAPU opposition party – ZANU’s former ally in the ‘Patriotic Front’ that fought the guerrilla war against Rhodesia from their bases in Zambia and Mozambique. From 1985, however, the two parties moved towards a merger, which was peacefully achieved in January 1988. Named ZANU-PF, the party assumed undisputed political primacy, unchallenged by any significant opposition until the end of the 1990s.
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Health Warnings
1. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year arriving from infected areas.
2. Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Zimbabwe . However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are advisable. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3. Vaccination against typhoid is advised.
4. Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists from November to June in all areas below 1200m (3937ft) and throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley although there is negligible risk in Harare and Bulawayo . Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.
Food & drink All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Other risks Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported. Trachoma and hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Epidemics of meningoccal meningitis may occur, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season. There may be a small risk of plague in rural areas, especially Matabeleland. Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness) are present. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. HIV/AIDS is a high risk throughout the country (around 25 per cent of the adult population are infected) and precautions should be taken. Health care Medical facilities are good in the major towns and there are well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas, although medical costs can be high. There may be drugs shortages in public hospitals. There is no reciprocal agreement with the UK. Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately, especially in urban areas. Private hospitals may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission.
CURRENCY AND CLIMATE:Currency: Z $ (Zimabwe Dollar) Climate: Tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)
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