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Zimbabweans Ponder Legacy Of Former Rhodesian Premier Smith


The news of the death of former Rhodesian prime minister Ian Smith earlier this week in Cape Town, South Africa, took many Zimbabweans back to another era.

Although the reaction in Zimbabwe was muted, some expressed bitterness that Smith had obliged the country to go through a war for the black majority to come to power.

Others noted that Smith held and voiced racist beliefs to the end, saying blacks could not govern themselves and taking apparent satisfaction in Zimbabwe’s woes.

For perspective on the historical conjuncture, VOA turned to Deputy Editor Bill Saidi of Harare's Standard weekly newspaper, and Professor Solomon Mombeshora, a lecturer in race and ethnic relations at the University of Zimbabwe.

Mombeshora told reporter Ndimyake Mwakalyelye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that while he felt some compassion for Smith, he also reflected on his bitter legacy.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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