The Rhosarian 2021

The
Rhosarian
October 2021
Magazine of the Flame Lily Foundation
R20
for non-subscribers
R20.00
for non-subscribers

ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE
14th NOVEMBER 2021, from 10h00
Last year’s physical Service had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions
on gatherings, and the Rhodesian Forces Memorial Committee (RFMC)
commissioned a video of a typical RFMC Memorial Service which was
professionally produced by Mark Klein Productions. The filming of
the video was made possible by special favour of Dickie Fritz MOTH
Shellhole, and all Covid precautions were observed during the shooting of
the video. This was released on YouTube on Remembrance Sunday 2020.
The RFMC has monitored changing Covid-19 regulations in South
Africa which will not allow a service where the numbers attending are
unrestricted. Although the current Level One restrictions are a lot more
favourable than at previous levels, social distancing, masks and sanitising
remain and would limit the number of people seated under the tent. The
Committee took the view that this would be unduly restrictive. Secondly,
the organization of each physical service is a significant logistical and
financial exercise, and the risk of cancellation due to further “Fourth
Wave” restrictions remains real. Given these factors, the Committee
decided that it would be prudent to make this year’s Service a virtual one
again, with the sincere hope that “Next year will be better”.
An updated videoed Memorial Service has been produced and will
be released on YouTube at 10h00 on Sunday 14th November 2021 -
Remembrance Sunday.
Sign on to YouTube using “Rhodesian Forces Memorial Service -
2021”. Although the Service will be streamed initially from 10h00
on 14 November, it will remain on YouTube for viewing whenever
convenient.
REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN

The Rhosarian 1/21 October 2021
1
CONTENTS
Subject
Page
Remembrance Service 2021
Cover
National - Contents & Objects 1
- Chairmans’s Report 2
- Editorial 3
- Notice Board 4
Msasa Mail - Remebrance 5
- Mary’s Meander 6
- Spero’s Sentiments 7
- Stilfontein Homes 8
- Historic Milestones 9-10
- Humour 11
Ridgeback - Rhodie Golf Day 12
- Hunyani Remembered 13
- Obituaries & Contacts 14
Subject
Page
The Fish Eagle - Chairman’s Report 15-76
- Rhodes Memorial
Restoration 18-19
Heritage Display- Victoria Falls 20-21
Pensioners - Zim Govt Pensions 22
- Bequests 23
Promotions - Pilot, Prisoner, Patriot 24
- Calendat 2022 25
Looking Back - Kipling’s Poem “If ” 26
- Remembrance 27
- Ian & Janet Smith 28
- Rhodesian Scenes 29
Looking Back - Birth of a Nation 33-37
Humour - Lighter side of life 38
Opportunities - Funeral Scheme 39-40
- RW Magazine Cover
Front cover: Sunset over Victoria Falls
Objects
• To assist former residents of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe who are legal, permanent
residents in the Republic of South Africa, where possible.
• To give help to former residents of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, in particular the aged
and disabled, where possible.
• To preserve the History and Heritage of Rhodesia
Membership
Membership is available to Rhodesians and South Africans over the age of 18 who
subscribe to the objectives of the Foundation.
Single: R80 - Couple: R100 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Honorary Vice-Presidents: Air Vice Marshal C.W. Dams
Dr J.R.T. Wood,
Mr J.C. Pirrett
DISCLAIMER
The Flame Lily Foundation shares published articles by writers around the world. Each
article is sourced and linked to the original, and each article is credited with the author’s
name, where possible. Although we do publish articles that have been written in-house by
our members, we do not exclusively create our own content. Views or opinions presented
in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Editor or the Association.
001-747 NPO
Registered in terms of the Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997

The Rhosarian 1/21 NATIONAL
October 2021
2
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2021
Membership
As at the end of December 2020 we had a total of 1024 members compared with 991
members in December 2019. This represents a nett increase of 33 members. During
the previous financial year we lost the Pietermaritzburg Branch through dissolution.
Highveld Branch was on the verge of dissolution before the end of this financial year.
(The Branch has subsequently been dissolved.)
Welfare
Skatie Fourie came took over as caretaker of our Stilfontein Homes in April 2020. We are
selling 30 Godwin Street to support the remaining four properties. The cost of subsidising
Stilfontein tenants needs to be reviewed, as it cannot be sustained.
We continue to support several Zimbabwe government pensioners through the Grateful
Gran fund. Two widows of pensioners receive their grants from the OSPBS (Overseas
Service Pensioners Benevolent Society). Each branch has welfare responsibilities for
those who do not qualify for Grateful Gran support.
Zimbabwe Pensions
In 2020 a counsellor at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg visited our FLF office in
Pretoria, where we had a useful meeting with the official. Despite his apparent eagerness
to assist with pensions problems, he has not been able to achieve as much as we had
hoped. Mary Redfern has a comprehensive database containing details of pensioners
whom we have assisted to have their pension reinstated. The burden of dealing with
pensioners who have not received their dues has fallen upon her. Lack of cooperation
from the Pensions Master makes this very difficult. Even our contact in Harare struggles
to get assistance with queries passed on to him.
Culture
A portion of the FLF’s Reference Library was transferred to the Cape Peninsula Branch
headquarters in Cape Town during the year. The RFMC (Rhodesian Forces Memorial
Committee) organised and videoed a virtual annual Remembrance Day service at Dickie
Fritz MOTH Shellhole in September 2020. This was first screened on YouTube on 8
November 2020 and has so far received over 21,000 views.
Finance
Our finances remain sound but are under severe strain, especially due to our homes in
Stilfontein. For this reason we decided to sell one of our Stilfontein properties.
Information
We published and distributed The Rhosarian magazine in November 2020. Because
of postage difficulties, we have placed the magazine in digital form on the Internet.
Branches have sent copies by email to some of their subscribers. We provided printed
hard copies for branches to distribute to their members without email. Our webmaster
died suddenly in August 2019. Peter Hammond is providing us with the services of his
Mission’s IT department.
Goals
We are facing many challenges, not the least being the increasing average age of our members
(estimated 82) and the inability to get more 50-plus age-group Rhodesians involved with
management. We must endeavor to keep alive our history and heritage for posterity.
Mike Russell, National Chairman, 16 September 2021

The Rhosarian 1/21 NATIONAL EDITORIAL
October 2021
3
The Rhosarian magazine It was a privilege to be
was first published in raised in Rhodesia. Hardy
1998, with two issues pioneers transformed the
per year. Prior to this it wilderness into a paradise.
was known as the RASA As John Edmond’s song
National Bulletin, intended so eloquently put it: The
mainly for members of first word in Rhodesian is
RASA branch committees. The Rhosarian Rhodes. The last name in
became the flagship publication of the Rhodesian is Ian.
Flame Lily Foundation, enhancing its
corporate identity.
We in Cape Town have the privilege
Like most magazines, The Rhosarian
of many important historic links to
has transformed over the years from an
the life of Cecil John Rhodes and also
annual magazine with text and photos in
to Ian Smith. Cecil John Rhodes gave
monochrome on bond paper, into a glossy
more to the people of the Cape than any
full colour cover and centrefold. Until
other single person. It was his foresight
this year, the magazine had 44 pages, but
and personal generosity that bought
with the demise of two FLF branches it
up Newlands Forest and what became
now has 40 pages. Another innovation
Kirstenbosch Gardens, to be preserved
has been producing a digital version of
from logging and urban development,
the magazine with colour on most pages.
to be enjoyed by all the people of the
This can be sent as an email attachment or
Cape. The University of Cape Town is
downloaded from the Internet.
another legacy of Cecil John Rhodes.
The 2020 issue of the magazine In Cape Town we have: the magnificent
was a joint editorship venture, with a Rhodes Memorial, which offers an
view to handing over full editorship of unparalleled, panoramic view of the
the magazine to Dr Peter Hammond, Cape Flats and Hottentots Holland
chairman of our Cape Peninsula Branch. Mountain range, the famous statue of
Peter volunteered to take it over in order Cecil Rhodes pointing North to the
to relieve me of some of the pressure and Hinterland in the Company Gardens,
stresses I was facing in 2020. Therefore the Groote Schuur Estate, which he
this is my last direct involvement in bequeathed to the people of the Cape
production of The Rhosarian. It will and the humble Rhodes Cottage where
no doubt morph again under Peter’s the Founder died on 26 March 1902.
editorship, as is already evident from the Several FLF-CP members have served as
style in which he has presented his Branch curators at Rhodes Cottage which houses
contribution and other items in this issue. many historic treasures and mementos
It is with a measure of sadness that I precious to our heritage. Nearby is the
hand over ‘my baby’ to Peter, but I know St. James retirement hotel where the
he has the enthusiasm, capability and honourable Ian Douglas Smith passed
resources to “keep the Flame alive” in the away on 20 November 2007.
future. Above all, this should continue to be
a magazine for Rhodesians by Rhodesians,
reflecting pride in our history and heritage.
John Redfern
It is our privilege and duty to help
preserve these important historic sites
for future generations to appreciate our
Continued on page 4

The Rhosarian 1/21 October 2021
4
Editorial Continued from page 3
NOTICE BOARD
precious heritage. To this end, we are
GRATEFUL GRAN
actively involved in seeking to renovate, Our thanks to members and friends of the
restore and maintain these tourist Foundation who make regular donations to
attractions and historic monuments. our Project Grateful Gran.
Active service FLF members at Rhodes National currently assists Rhodesian
Cottage include Tony Rozemeyer (6494 pensioners with grants on a quarterly basis.
BSAP) Vice Chairman of FLF-CP and Branches assist many others.
Shirley Sleight (Curator).
All donations received are very much
Much needs to be done to restore appreciated.
Rhodes Cottage as maintenance has Corporate donors and individuals may claim
been neglected for many years. There an Income Tax rebate of up to 10% of taxable
income.
is also the serious concern for security
in this age of Cancel Culture and
BEQUESTS
arson attacks by Marxists who hate
Many elderly members cannot afford to
our history. The devastation caused
contribute financially to the FLF, as much as
to Rhodes Memorial Tea Garden and they might wish to do so. Some have no close
Chapel during the wildfires of 18 April family to inherit all or part of their Estate. By
underlined the urgency of bold and bequeathing something to the FLF, they can
decisive action to preserve our heritage contribute towards the needs of others after
for future generations. As a matter of they have passed on.
urgency, Rhodes Cottage, which has a Details are on page 23. Please contact Mary on
Thatch Roof, needs smoke detectors, 012 4602066 if you need any help or advice.
alarms, a sprinkler system and a number
of other security measures. If you share
DONORS
our concerns and want to see our Donations to the Flame Lily Foundation may
be tax deductible, in terms of Section 18A of the
Rhodesian heritage, not only in Cape
Income Tax Act, 1962.
Town but throughout South Africa,
Donations of R500,00 or more to the FLF,
preserved, protected and promoted, including stop orders, will be receipted
please contact us and lend your support accordingly, so long as donors provide the
in whatever way you are able to. National Secretary with their full names and
Yours for keeping the Flame Alive postal address.
Dr Peter Hammond (Chairman - FLF-CP) FLF National Bank Details
Tel: (021) 689-4480
Email: peter@frontline.org.za
PENSIONERS
Certificates of Life for Zimbabwe
government pensioners who have NOT
previously signed a CoL can only be
obtained by attending in person at one of the
diplomatic offices. For further information,
contact Mary Redfern at:
Telephone: 012 460 2066, or
Email: rasa@iafrica.com
Name: Flame Lily Foundation
Account No.: 1500 680 799
Bank: ABSA
Branch: Brooklyn Court
Code: 335345
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS ELECTED
Chairman:
Vice-Chairman:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Mr Mike Russell
(vacant)
Mr John Parsons
Mr John Redfern

The Rhosarian 1/21 October 2021
5
KNOW OUR HISTORY
RHODESIA DAY
This year, Rhodesia Day will be
celebrated in Gauteng at the Dickie
Fritz MOTH Shellhole in Edenvale on
Saturday 13 November 2021, Covid
-19 regulations permitting.
Who proclaimed Rhodesia Day and
to which date or event is it linked?
Anyone who lived in Rhodesia from
1965 onwards will most likely recognise
11 November 1965 and Rhodesia’s
Unilateral Declaration of Independence
(UDI) as the most significant date and
event in the country’s short history.
The question arises, what might
have been described as Rhodesia Day
prior to UDI?
Phil Garbett has provided a
comprehensive list of years and events
which played a significant part in the
history of Rhodesia. Let’s call them
historical landmarks or milestones.
Perhaps Occupation Day, later
Pioneer Day, was Rhodesia Day
before UDI, although it was never
know as such.
(Continued on page 9)
REMEMBER THE FALLEN
Please take time on Thursday 11
November to remember Rhodesians who
lost their lives so that we might live.
To ‘attend’ the pre-recorded
Remembrance Service, log in to YouTube
just before 10:00 AM, click on Sunday
14 November 2021 or type in Search
“Rhodesian Remembrance Service”.
If you don’t have Internet, you might
be able to watch the Armistice Day
Parade and Service on BBC or Sky TV in
remembrance of Rhodesians who died in
The Great War 1914-1919 and the Second
World War 1939-1945.
Since 1966, Rhodesians have not been
allowed to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph
on Armistice Day, despite the thousands
of Rhodesians, Black and White, who
losttheir lives in service of the British
Empire.

The Rhosarian 1/21 MSASA MAIL
October 2021
6
MARY’S MEANDER
As I write this,
Jacaranda trees are in full
bloom, with most streets
in the old Pretoria suburbs
lined in purple blossoms.
Age is telling John
and me that we should slow down. When
I reluctantly took on as secretary of the
Pretoria Branch in 1983, I certainly did
not imagine that I would still be doing the
job in 2021, 38 years later. Although the
FLF has occupied a lot of my and John’s
time, it has been rewarding and sometimes
frustrating when dealing with Zimbabwe
Government pensions. I have had the
privilege to interact with thousands of
Rhodesians from all walks of life, most
of whom I have never met face to ace.
Our daughter Lyn, who lives in Namibia
visited us in October intent upon helping
us to downsize.
Several trunks brought from Rhodesia
in 1980 contained documents, family letters
and photographs that had been untouched
until now. Our days were partly taken up
going through the trunks, something that
should have been done 20 or more years
ago. Delving into them brought back a
lot of memories. A great surprise was the
efficiency of the Rhodesian postal service.
When I came to Rhodesia in the 1960s
to marry John, I wrote a weekly letter to
my mother. The mail from Bulawayo to
Stockholm would take between four and
six days! Today, post from Pretoria to
another city in South Africa can take a
month or more. Downsizing is very
hard. Should we save 100 year-old
letters and documents for our great grand
children?Would they be interested? With
social media and emails, almost nobody
writes letters so they won’t be having
this problem themselves, as messages on
computers and smart phones will have
been obliterated.
The current situation regarding
Zimbabwe Government Pensions is
covered on page 22. If you renewed
your Certificate of Life at the Embassy
in Pretoria and the original documents
were handed to you to send to the
Pensions Office in Harare, please email
Mary rasa@iafrica.com as there have
been problems with a few done at the
Embassy; this has now been cleared up.
Three members of the RASA Pretoria
committee have contributed items in this
Msasa Mail. Speros Blismas has written
Spero’s Sentiments, Lawrie Marshall
has taken over management of the FLF’s
Stilfontein homes, and Phil Garbett
has researched significant dates in
Rhodesia’s history. The period 1888 to
1923 is expanded upon in the historical
article on page 27.
As The Rhosarian is a large
document, I hope everyone who receives
it electronically is able to download and
read it on a lap top or desk computer
screen . If you would like a hard copy,
please let me know.
With love,
Mary
“Keeping the Flame alive”

The Rhosarian 1/21 MSASA MAIL
October 2021
7
SPEROS’ SENTIMENTS
City Name Changes
Taking stock of the
name change of Port
Elizabeth to Gqeberha
I am not too perturbed
as I have had more such
occasions in the past
I was born in Salisbury which no
longer exists. Harare is different and
not the place I knew back in my early
life. Salisbury will always exist in the
history books as the progressive, clean,
modern and well governed capital city of
the fledgling Rhodesia. Thus, I am quite
happy to accept the change.
Istanbul is now Constantinople despite
the presence of the iconic Hagia (Ayia)
Sophia Cathedral from Byzantine times,
dating back nearly 1700 years. The
Ottoman Turks turned the church into
a mosque, which was later turned into a
museum and now for a second time back
to a Mosque..
Constantinople was the capital of a
Greco-Roman empire that stood for a
thousand years, and it was one of the first
states to adopt Christianity. This city, and
its institutions, had a direct influence on
our Western civilization. Thus, Istanbul,
which I Googled but could not find a
mention of the original name in the
introductory paragraph of the Wikipedia
article, deserves its present name and
history will always place Constantinople
in the correct context.
Let those who remember Fort Victoria,
Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, which
lacks most municipal services, realize
that these cities no longer exist except
in history. My wife was born in a large
village, Trikomo, in Northern Cyprus
which also had a name change after the
Turks invaded and occupied the area.
The new name is Yeni Iskele. My wife’s
paternal house has been demolished,
while all the churches have been closed
or turned into museums. There is no
reason, now, to lament the name change
Speros Blismas.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
CONDOLENCES
HUTCHINGS, Robin born Bulawayo
on 2 July 1946 passed away peacefully
on 22 August 2021 in Cape Town.
Sorely missed by his wife, children,
grandchildren, family, friends and coworkers
at Eskom Koeberg Nuclear
Power Station. [Submitted by Tracy
Hutchings-De Waal.]
JAMES, Sheila (née O’Connor) passed
away on 31 August 2021 at age 88
in Roodepoort . She was educated at
Bulawayo convent and was married
to Clive James who died in 2008.
She leaves behind her three children,
seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
KRUPICKA Anne (née O’Connor)
passed away on 10 August in
Johannesburg aged 80. She is survived
by her two brothers, Ted and Tom
O’Connor and her nieces and nephews.
She left Zimbabwe 13 years ago to live
with her sister Sheila.

The Rhosarian 1/21 MSASA MAIL
October 2021
8
PRESTON, Basil Roy passed away on
25 July 2021 from Covid complications.
He will be sorely missed by his wife
Mary, son Douglas, daughter Desray and
grandsons Luca and Nicolas.
STILFONTEIN HOMES
Victoria House, Stilfontein, May 2019
The National Managing Committee
of the Flame Lily Foundation has handed
over management of the four properties in
Stilfontein to RASA Pretoria and I have
been asked to manage them.
There were originally five properties
but in August this year the house with
two flats at 30 Godwin Street was sold to
raise funds to sustain the four remaining
houses (eight flats). Municipal charges for
utilities have escalated over the last few
years and it is now proving very difficult to
provide quality accommodation to people
with a very low income. Rents are based
on declared income and include water and
electricity. The net cost of maintaining the
five properties in the past financial year
amounted to R121,000.
The four remaining houses in Athlone
Drive and Van Zyl Street, each containing
two flats, are interlinked internally, enabling
tenants to mingle freely if they wish
without going into the street. Fortunately,
there has not been much serious crime in
the area so the street-side fences and walls
serve mainly to keep dogs in or out.
Stilfontein has very cold winters and
low rainfall so the gardens are dry at
this time of the year and looking very
barren. Unfortunately we cannot afford
to use a lot of water to make them look
better, although some tenantsW are able
to work wonders with the few resources
available to bring colour around their
houses with pot plants and small flower
beds.
The present seven tenants appear to
be happy with their circumstances and
are also concerned about rising costs.
We have recently been forced to issue
new leases and increase rentals, where
possible, to reduce our subsidies.
Maintenance to the buildings is
another issue that is starting to need
attention. Barge boards and facias need
repair and paint and many other small
things need a handyman to spend some
time to sort them out.
Skatie Fourie, who is the resident
caretaker, is able to fix a lot of the small
things like toilet cisterns and door locks
and he manages the gardener very well.
They have worked on each yard to clear
and tidy the beds. The gardens, inspite of
no rains, are neat and tidy.
Skatie has started cleaning out a
vacant flat that is in bad condition, with
a view to refurbishing it for a future
tenant.
John and Mary Redfern used to visit
Stilfontein about every three months, but
Covid-19 made this impossible during
2020. Now that inter-province travel is
permitted, Speros Blismas and I plan to
resume regular visits to Stilfontein.
Lawrie Marshall
16 October 2021

The Rhosarian 1/21 MSASA MAIL
October 2021
9
KNOW OUR HISTORY 1902 Death, and Funeral at Matopos,
of C.J. Rhodes.
(Continued from page 1)
These are the most significant years in
Rhodesia’s history:
1853 C.J. Rhodes, L.S. Jameson,
A. Beit born
1859 First permanent white settlement
in Matabeleland at Inyati Mission
Station
1888 Moffat Treaty and Rudd
Concession signed near Buluwayo
1889 Royal Charter granted to BSA
Company, BSAC Police formed
1890-1891 Pioneer Corps/Column
‘occupies’ Mashonaland Anglo-
Portuguese Convention signed in
Lisbon. Failure by BSAC force to
capture port at Beira
1893-1894 ‘Matabele’ war. Bulawayo
captured.
Shangani Patrol
/Allan Wilson’s
last stand. Death
of Lobengula.
Matabeleland
‘occupied’.
Many Treks
Made Rhodesia
1895-1896 Jameson Raid débâcle
1896-1897 Rinderpest ravages Rhodesia
Matabele rebellion followed by
Mashona revolt. Rhodes’ Indaba at
Matopos. Peace concluded
1897 First railway train - the first of many
- steams into Bulawayo. ADVANCE
RHODESIA
1899 Southern Rhodesia Legislative
Council established. Rhodesians
“heavily committed” as South African/
Anglo-Boer War commences
“Tweede Vryheidsoorlog”
concludes with peace at Pretoria
1905 Victoria Falls Bridge over the
Zambezi inaugurated
1906 Death of Alfred Beit
1914-1918 Rhodesia participates
with Imperial forces during
World War I.
Rhodesia Native
Regiment
(forerunner
of Rhodesian
African Rifles)
formed.
Death of L.S. Jameson
1922-1923 Referendum held on
choice between Responsible
Government or Union with
South Africa. Outcome: 80%
electoral turnout, 60% in favour of
self-government, 40% for Union
(figures rounded). That event was
surely the turning-point in history
of both Southern and Northern
Rhodesia
1935 Formation at Salisbury of (what
was to become) the Rhodesian
Air Force

The Rhosarian 1/21 MSASA MAIL
October 2021
10
1939-1945 Rhodesia participates
1972 Wankie Colliery disaster
with the Allies in World War II with 427 deaths.
c. 1947 White immigration boom British Pearce Commission
1951 White population rises to ‘highest reports negatively on proposals
watermark’ of 6.3% of total. Black for an Anglo-Rhodesian
population 2 320 000 or more
‘Settlement’. ZANLA attacks on
1953 Rhodes Centenary celebration at Centenary farms
Bulawayo. After intense 1973-1979 Rhodesia in a state of
negotiations, the ‘British State’ of guerilla/ partisan/ civil/ ‘bush’
the Central African Federation war. Becomes Zimbabwe
inaugurated with Salisbury as Rhodesia with
capital city
‘black’ majority
1960 British Queen Mother opens government lead
Kariba Dam on the Zambezi by Bishop A. Muzorewa, again
1961 Electoral referendum approves without international recognition.
reformist Southern Rhodesian ZR government rescinds its own
Constitution. Rhodesian Light authority at British-mediated
Infantry formed
Lancaster House Constitutional
1962 Rhodesian Front wins election Conference in London. British
1963 British government terminates the sovereignty over ‘Southern
Federation of Rhodesia and Rhodesia’ instated under authority
Nyasaland
of Governor Lord Soames.
1964 British government grants
Commonwealth
independence to Malawi and
Monitoring Force
Zambia
involved. Negotiated
1965 Rhodesian Government led by
cease-fire declared but
I.D. Smith proclaims a Unilateral
erratically enforced
Declaration of Independence – 1980 Scheduled ‘one-man one-vote’
UDI. No international recognition. general election won
British sanctions policy applied overwhelmingly by ZANU (PF)
1966 United Nations imposes mandatory headed by R.G. Mugabe and PFsanctions
ZAPU headed by J.N. Nkomo.
1968 Rhodesian Appellate Division of Independence ceremonially
the High Court judges pronounce granted by Britain to Zimbabwe
legality of government
on 18 April,
1970 Rhodesia becomes a Republic, Rhodesia ceases to exist
no international recognition.
New flag
introduced
Significant events related to Southern
Rhodesia between 1888 and 1923 are
described in detail on pages 30 to 37.

The Rhosarian 1/21 MSASA MAIL
October 2021
11
HUMOUR
“It’s not the fall that kills you. It’s the
sudden stop at the end.”
“Blessed are the children, for they
shall inherit the national debt.”
“Money talks. But all mine ever says is
goodbye.”
“Always borrow money from a pessimist.
He won’t expect it back.”
“A clear conscience is usually the sign
of a bad memory.”
“Worrying works! More than 90
percent of the things I worry about
never happen.”
“A positive attitude may not solve all
your problems. But it will annoy enough
people to make it worth the effort.”
“I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not
sure.”
“Going to church doesn’t make you a
Christian any more than standing in a
garage makes you a car.”
CONTACT PERSONS
Secretary: Mary Redfern
Tel: 012 460 2066 (during office hours,
otherwise an answering machine is in use.)
Chairman: Spyros Blismas
Tel: 012 667 6647
Postal address: E-mail:
PO Box 95474 rasa@iafrica.com
0145 Waterkloof www.flf-rasa.co.za
“I am not a vegetarian because I love
animals. I am a vegetarian because I
hate plants.”
FROM THE WORD
“Seek the Lord while you can find
him. Call upon him
now while he is near.
Let men cast off their
wicked deeds ... Let them turn to the
Lord that he may have mercy upon them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7 (TLB)
RASA Pretoria banking details
Account Name: RASA Pretoria
Account Number: 1631005235
Bank: Nedbank
Branch: Brooklyn Branch
Branch Code: 163145

The Rhosarian 1/21 October 2021
12
The Ridgeback News 1 st October 2021
RASA - Rhodie Golf Day at ‘Toti Golf Club Sunday 29th August 2021
The RASA Rhodie Golf Day Sun
29 Aug which was held as usual
at the ‘Toti Golf Club. There were
about 36 players and 10 visitors/
non players. The weather was nice
warm sunny especially after a very
cold Saturday. I am sure that the
golfers had their good day, and
Winston Churchill joined their two
three ball into one thus winning
the trophy for the ‘Most Golf ’
Back L - R - Neville Smith, Neill Bushell, Arthur Kegal, Nick Skipworth-Mitchell, George Mcdonald,
Roy Matkovich, John Buckle, Brian McKibbin
Front - L - R - Jan Steyn, Bill William s.
RASA - Rhodie Golf Day at ‘Toti Golf Club The “MOST GOLF” Winners Sunday 29th August 2021
RASA - Rhodie Golf Day at ‘Toti Golf Club Sunday 29th August 2021
Photos by Peter Shattock
Chris Craig-Mackie (Old Bill), Ray Walker (Paybill), Skippy Mitchell (RASA Chairman), Dave Pringle,
“Boss” Ian Douglas, Bob Simpson, Tony van Heerden INSET: Patrick Muming (Recruit)
Standing - Dave Finch, George Taylor, Wayne Schonken, Rory Brooks Front - Rose Taylor, Caren Clarke
The Most Golf means that this team had played THE most shots on this golf course today in this Fundraising competition
RASA - Rhodie Golf Day at ‘Toti Golf Club Sunday 29th August 2021
Photos by Peter Shattock
3rd Place prize - Fred Rautenbach, Craig Dempsey
Closest to the pin prize - Gus Hore, Bob Simpson
Rory Brooks, Dave Finch, Skippy Mitchell, George Taylor, Wayne Schonken
Winners of the 2021 RASA Rhodie Golf Day
Longest Drive prize - Mark Archer, Bob Simpson Raffle prize winner - Lana Mitchel with Dave Finch
The top picture is the RLI contingent, bottom left is Winston Churchill and then on the right is the Aubrey
Brooks family & friends ! Certainly a good time had by all and there was a braai afterwards and we were
nicely entertained by the ‘Musicman’ Pierre Raubenheimer from Umhlanga. And then there was the prize
giving. A total of R14910,53 was raised from the golf, raffle and sales of Rhodesia memorabilia

RIDGEBACK
13
This monument is in the grounds of the Voortrekker monument
saw this on facebook and memories just
flooded back about this very tragic
situation as described below.
By Clive Reid
(4 th September 2021) Why I volunteered
to fight terrorism. I served in the SADF
1998 - 1990
3 Sep 1978, I was 12 years old living in
Salisbury, Rhodesia, at the time of this sad
tragedy
And the Blessings being performed Today marks 43 years since the tragedy
of the civilian Air Rhodesia Viscount
named Hunyani, which was shot down shortly after take off from Kariba to Salisbury
(Harare) in Rhodesia. There were 58 people on board. Miraculously 18 survived
the crash and escaped from the burning wreckage. To add tragedy to tragedy, 10
Survivors, including unarmed wounded woman and children, were then murdered
on the ground. This photo was taken in 2008, 30 years after the event, on the exact spot
the main part of the plane came to rest My mom, Sally Reid ( not in the pic) my 3 year
old son Joseph and I visited the site to pay our respects. Others had survived the crash
only to perish in the flames that engulfed the plane. One survivor saw daylight through
a hole in the fuselage and made it big enough to escape. Wounded air hostesses were
passed to safety, children were then passed through the hole, 13 escaped the burning
wreck before the flames made it impossible for anyone else to escape. These 13 stayed
close to the plane. 3 went back to the wreckage to look for items to use as bandages.
It was then that a terrorist group arrived and found the 10 wounded, mostly woman
and children and at least one elderly man. Without mercy they murdered them in cold
blood. These 3 Survivors stayed near the wreckage through the night and were rescued
the next morning by Rhodesian SAS Paratroopers. Another 5 Survivors escaped
another route and left the scene of the crash. They were found many kilometres away
the next morning by a farmer.
A sad, sad day in modern history.

The Rhosarian 1/21 RIDGEBACK
October 2021
14
Obituaries
It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that RASA (Durban) records the passing of Peter
Traicos, Sat 14 th August 2021. After being hospitalised for 5 weeks.
Peter was a friend and well-known Rhodesian spin bowler, as well as a staunch and faithful
supporter of our organisation, who donated generously to the assistance of our Pensioners
over many years. A great Rhodesian who will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace Peter, our sincere
condolences to all the family and his many friends, RASA Durban.
Rosemarie Irene Douglas passed away on 17 th June 2021 after complications following surgery.
Sellwyn (William) Bignell – husband of Lyn and new members passed away on 25 th August
2021,5pm. Condolence to family & Friends. May they Rest In Eternal Peace. Ridgeback &
RASA Committee.
Pieter Viljoen
Pieter Viljoen
Marlene Camps (Secretary of RASA – Durban) Tuesday 21 st September 2021
In memory of my father, Pieter Andries Viljoen, who sadly passed away on the 24 th May 2021
at the age of 94,5 years from complications due to Covid. Dad had dodged so many bullets
in his life but ultimately succumbed to his last battle so bravely borne. At the age of 17, Dad
left SA to start a new life in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia. He met and married my mother,
Elizabeth Susanna Liebenberg in 1952. What many people did not know about my father was,
as Northern Rhodesian middle-weight champion, he broke the Western Province Middle-
Weight press record by raising 226lbs and went on to represent Northern Rhodesian in the
1954 Vancouver – Canada British Empire and Commonwealth Games. I am so grateful that I
was born in Northern Rhodesia, and experienced the most wonderful childhood memories one
could ever wish for. My country of birth, which will forever be in my veins thanks to my beloved
parents. R.I.P. my beloved father and hero - Pieter Andries Viljoen 17.11.1926 – 24.05.2021
CONTACT RASA Durban Branch Committee
Name
Contact detail
Nick Skipworth-Michell (Chairman) 082 372 0000 skipworth61@gmail.com
Bob Simpson (V-Chairman) 083 495 7813 bob@simtrans.co.za
Lana Skipworth-Michell (Treasurer) 072 617 7443 lana4@live.com
Marlene Camps (Secretary) 079 798 1595 marlenecamps55@gmail.com
Heather Walker (Stalwart) 083 322 3236 rowa34@gmail.com
Rob Walker (Stalwart) 084 532 535 rowa34@gmail.com
Peter Shattock (Ridgeback) 082 512 6056 plshattock@telkomsa.net

The Rhosarian 1/21 October 2021
15
Flame Lily Foundation
Cape Peninsula Branch
Meetings in Fish Hoek
This year, Flame Lily Foundation – Cape Peninsula has more than doubled its attendance
at our regular Meetings at the Methodist Church hall in Fish Hoek. So far this year, I
have given presentations on David Livingstone, Henry Morton Stanley, Through the Dark
Continent, Wild Fires in Cape Town and The Communist Chaos at these monthly meetings.
On 26 th March we held a commemoration supper and service for the life of Cecil John
Rhodes at Rhodes Cottage, in Muizenberg. We enjoyed our Rhodes and Founders’
luncheon on 18 August.
FLF-CP Committee
The FLF-CP committee has grown to eight
members. We have designed and printed
business/calling cards for each of the
committee members. New Membership
forms have also been designed and
printed. FLF-CP has also designed cards
that can be used for birthday greetings,
condolence messages and Thank You’s.
Welfare Committee
We have also formed a Welfare Subcommittee
of five members. At this time, we have sixteen beneficiaries of our regular support
for Rhodesians in desperate need. Welfare beneficiaries
Questionnaires have been designed and printed enabling
our welfare committee to re-evaluate existing beneficiaries
and to carefully evaluate potential candidates for support.
Personal visits by committee members are being carried out.
Memorial Plaque for Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith
We have also designed and produced a Memorial Plaque
for the Honourable Ian Douglas Smith to be installed at
Saint James Retirement Hotel where Mr. Smith passed
away. This will be installed and dedicated on 11 November.
Researching the Story Behind the Wildfires in Cape Town
The wildfires in Cape Town which devastated the Rhodes Memorial Tea Garden, Mostert’s
Mill, the oldest wind mill in the Southern Hemisphere (which Cecil John Rhodes had

16
FISH EAGLE
Prints of Thomas Baines paintings of Victoria Falls
from the Zambezi Expedition with Dr. David Livingstone.
purchased, restored and donated to the people of the Cape) and the Jaggers Library of the
University of Cape Town was a particular focus of our concern and investigative journalism.
As members of Friends of Rhodes Memorial, we produced articles and presentations on
the Wildfires in Cape Town which were also presented to the Reformation Society and
University of the Third Age (U3A) and led to many radio and TV interviews internationally.
Negotiations With SAN Parks
We have also been in regular consultation and negotiation with SAN Parks to restore the
Rhodes Memorial Tea Garden and regain public access to Rhodes Memorial. We have also
mobilised teams of volunteers to assist in the restoration of the Rhodes Memorial area.
Caring for Pensioners and Wildlife in Zimbabwe
We have been in contact with the Zimbabwe Pensioners Association, the Zimbabwean
Wildlife Conservation Group and ZANE (Zimbabwe A National Emergency) to cooperate
in how we may assist those in desperate need in Zimbabwe. Frontline Fellowship has
delivered hundreds of Boxes with Love to pensioners in Zimbabwe.
The Rhodesia Heritage Library at Livingstone House

FISH EAGLE
17
Rhodesia Heritage Library
We continue to receive historic books, pictures,
flags and other artifacts for our Rhodesia
Heritage Library at Livingstone House.
One of our ongoing projects is scanning
many historic pictures of Rhodesia
and digitizing audio and video
cassettes and 16mm reel to reel
films. These will be digitally
shared with Rhodesia
Associations worldwide.
Upcoming Events
We are planning our annual Remembrance Service on Sunday 7 November at Fish
Hoek Methodist Church, our Christmas Concert on 14 December and an End of Year
Braai 16 December.
Dr Peter Hammond
Chairman
peter@frontline.org.za
www.facebook.com/Flame-Lily-Foundation-Cape-Peninsula-805198409856520
www.friendsofrhodesmemorial.co.za
www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Rhodes-Memorial-111929737319843

18
The Rhosarian 1/21 FISH EAGLE
October 2021
18
Rhodes Memorial Restoration
After five months of negotiating with SANParks and Department of Public
Works, the Friends of Rhodes Memorial were finally granted access on Heritage
Day weekend to clean up after the disastrous Fire of 18 April. Although no
vehicles were allowed in, we hiked up with our equipment. Rhodes Memorial
needs to be made accessible to the public again. The tea garden and chapel
need to be rebuilt.
Rhodes Memorial has for many
years been a popular tourist
destination and community
attraction where friends meet
and exercise, a popular venue
for wedding photos and
picnics, offering breath taking
sightseeing and an unparalleled
panoramic view of the Cape
Flats and Hottentots Holland
mountain Range.
It is unacceptable that six months after the fires SANParks and the municipality
have still not repaired and restored this historic monument and important
community sanctuary. How much longer must we wait for decisive action?
Other than deforesting the area, it is hard to see what SANParks and the
Department of Public Works have been busy with over the last six months.

FISH EAGLE
19
Rhodes Memorial was built by private donations by
the citizens of Cape Town. The area is part of Rhodes
Trust. It belongs to the people of the Cape. It belongs to
the community. It does not belong to the government. In
accordance with the requirements of Rhodes Trust, the area
should be handed over to Friends of Rhodes Memorial to
restore. A restored and revitalised Rhodes Memorial and
Teagarden would create jobs, attract tourists and enrich and
encourage the community.
There are 49 steps at Rhodes
Memorial - one for every year of
Cecil John Rhode’s life.

The Rhosarian 1/21 HERITAGE October DISPLAY 2021
20
20

The VICTORIA Rhosarian FALLS 1/21 October 2021
21
21

PENSIONERS
The The Rhosarian Rhosarian 1/201/21 PENSIONERS October 2020 2021
22
27
"Concern for
our Aged"
Zimbabwe Pensioners Association
(A division of the Flame Lily Foundation)
More Renew than Certificate 14 months of have Life passed since members via email of the FLF, rasa@iafrica.com we had to rely if on you old live
the latest tranche of pensions were paid on 15 contact details, many of them out of date. A
The Pensions Master has not had the a long distance from, and are unable to
August 2019. With the long time between notice published in a Msasa Mail newsletter,
courtesy to acknowledge receipt of our travel to, any of the diplomatic offices to
payments, over 50 accounts had been made with names of "missing" pensioners, produced
letter emailed to him on 6 August 2021, update your Certificate of Life. Should Mr
dormant or closed by the Standard Bank, good results. However, several pensioners
without
let alone
the Bank
answer
informing
the questions
their account
posed in the Pasvani agree to visit Durban, for instance,
could not be contacted. If you were not paid
holders. letter.
we will advise all those concerned of the
If the account is only used for pension in November 2017 (first schedule) or 15
payments, On please the advice make sure of that Counsellor you use it at Henry August date, 2019 time and (second place schedule), to meet Mr please Pasvani.
least Pasvani once during at the every Consulate 6- month of period. Zimbabwe contact in Pension Mary on entitlement email: rasa@iafrica.com
Some Johannesburg, account numbers we advised submitted pensioners by the in All Standard If you would Bank account like to statements know what the your
Pensions our last Office Msasa (PO) Mail were to report incorrect. person The FLF at pension received should were be in emailed Zim dollars, by write the to:
consequence one of the of consulates this administrative Johannesburg error is and Johannesburg Consulate to the PO for
that the pensioner lost this pension payment, updating.
The
At
Pensions
our suggestion,
Master
Cape Town, or the Zimbabwe Embassy we sent the PO
and the account could be dismissed by the PO in Harare Email: a list lazarusname@gmail.com
Pretoria, to sign a new Certificate of Life with corrections together with
for future pension payments. This is also the printed The copies information of bank statements, to give:
so that they could be included in the Julyon
behalf
case with dormant accounts, if the problem is of the Consulate,. I am a Zimbabwe We sent Government these by courier pensioner to
December 2021 pensions schedule.
not corrected by the Pensions Office. Rob Anderson living in who South personally Africa. handed them
A very John helpful Redfern attaché went at the to the Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
to the Please Deputy let me Pensions know the Master, current Mr amount
Consulate Embassy in Johannesburg on 12 October asked the to FLF update to Handirikete, his
due to for me action. monthly in Zimbabwe currency.
contact status. pensioners Having done and so, obtain the authenticated bank Late Yours afternoon sincerely, on Tuesday 17 November
statements Certificate proving of Life that and their other account documents had 2020 Full we Name received the following email
been were reopened. handed However, back to the him. problem He could was told message Pension from our No. contact or Nos.: at the Zimbabwe
not to be email resolved scanned by the copies Consulate, of these where to Consulate a in Johannesburg: "Good News,
pensioners' Certificates of Life are completed,
Person ID No. if you have it.
Pensions Office address in Harare. Long the Pensions Office said that a schedule for
as the story PO short, insists this on verifying appears to each be the current standard payment If has you been are sent eligible to Standard for a Bank. Disability
Standard
procedure,
Bank
as
account
at least
statement.
two other pensioners We hope Pension that you they can will add: start paying as soon
Since 2016, Certificates of Life must be
that we know have subsequently been told as possible." Upon retirement So perhaps in there ........, is light I was at awarded the
completed at a Zimbabwe Consulate or the end of the tunnel after all.
Embassy.
to do likewise.
As most of
Mr
the
Pasvani
pensioners
has
are
apparently
a .....% disability pension that was paid
not
Mary Redfern
approved this arrangement.
to me initially via Social Welfare.
APPEAL Pensioners TO in remote PENSIONS areas OFFICE FOR Please DISABILITY let me know PENSIONER what portion of my
pension is disability, and the current
Mr Japp At our submitted meeting a Certificate with Mr of Life Pasvani in 2009 in together with a valid Standard Bank account;
Zimbabwe dolar value.
his February pension should 2020, have he been intimated paid from that 2012 he was when pensions were reinstated. This was sent,
with prepared others, via to the go Zimbabwe personally Embassy to in Durban Pretoria to Mr Editor’s Mnkandla, comment: the Director When of Pensions disability
at the and time. other In October hubs if 2015 there we inquired were sufficient as to why Mr pensions Japp's pension were transferred had not been to reinstated. the Pensions
We pensioners received no in response. the area As to Mr warrant Japp's pension it. We are had Office, been paid the into his employment South African pension Standard and
Bank
currently
account until
putting
all pension
out feelers
payments
through
stopped
the
in disability 2003, he must pension have had were exchange shown control separately.
authority. This appears to have been an oversight by the PO, so we have requested that the
BSAP Regimental Association in KZN to
However, after reinstatement of pensions
PO rectify this as soon as possible and that his pension be paid in full with the next schedule.
ascertain numbers. Please contact Mary
from 2012, the disability pension has been
included with the employment pension.

The Rhosarian 1/21 BEQUESTS
October 2021
23
There may be Rhodesians who, in their old age, do not have close relatives to whom
they would normally leave their worldly possessions when they die. Others may
have specific items that they know the beneficiaries of their estate might not need,
value, or appreciate. Such items may have intrinsic, historical, or emotional value to
the Foundation and its members.
Many charitable organisations derive funds from bequests, and we would like to
give you the opportunity to donate to the Flame Lily Foundation by means of a
bequest. This type of donation can be easily arranged by adding a Codicil to your
existing Will.
We have established homes for Rhodesian pensioners at Stilfontein. With your help,
the Flame Lily Foundation will be able to sustain these subsidised homes for our
senior citizens, and support those who are resident in our homes or are in need of
welfare assistance.
The form of Codicil shown below can be easily copied and reproduced.
I (full names)
CODICIL
___________________________________________________________________
hereby make the following codicil to my will:
I bequeath
___________________________________________________________________
to the FLAME LILY FOUNDATION, PO Box 95474, Waterkloof, 0145, South Africa
(Non-Profit Organisation No.: 001-747 NPO.
Public Benefit Organisation No.:930008979)
SIGNED
at (place) _________________________________ on (date) ___________
WITNESSES
1. _______________________________________ Name and address:
Signature
2. _______________________________________ Name and address:
Signature

The Rhosarian 1/21 PROMOTIONS
October 2021
24
Force of Zimbabwe to help the Air Force of
that country to be an efficient fighting force
with the high Standards of the Rhodesian
Air Force in mind. He is promoted to Air
Vice Marshal and is nominated as the
next officer commanding the Air Force of
Zimbabwe. Then, suddenly, the sabotage
of aircraft at Thornhill air base caused an
abrupt and very unpleasant change in
the writer’s life. He is arrested, tortured,
imprisoned, and for some 18 months had
no idea if the current day would be his last.
Unfortunately these first two sections
do not give the reader a real glimpse of the
good days and the evil days that followed
the accession of Mugabe as first Prime
Minister, then President of Zimbabwe.
Unfortunately the details of his torture
and imprisonment are glossed over. This,
perhaps, to save his family from a replay
of that dreadful time.
Eventually, on condition of leaving
Zimbabwe permanently, the author is
released. He settles in and recuperates
PILOT PRISONER PATRIOT in the U.S.A. His friendship with various
by A.V.M.Hugh Slatter DMM
members of the U.S. aircraft industry
leads him to a good position on the first
This short auto biography divides itself rung of the business ladder.
automatically into three parts. These are Subsequently his abilities, plus the
the author’s early life in Rhodesia, the friendship of various U.S. business
formation of Zimbabwe and the author’s men, lead him to an enviable position in
regeneration in the United states. The the U.S. aviation industry. He gratefully
writing in the first two parts tends to be acknowledges the help and trust of many
superficial with, for me not enough detail, in the U.S. aviation world. He is now
especially in the second part dealing with retired and lives in the U.S. with his wife of
the horrors of Zimbabwe.
some 50 years.
The first section dealing with the He still spends his time consulting on
writer’s youth and his life in Rhodesia pre aviation businesses in the U.S.
1965 and UDI and the fifteen year-long Although for me, this book lacks some
anti terrorist war fought by the people of detail it will, I hope, reveal to the reader
Rhodesia.
the descent of Zimbabwe into chaos, and
With 1980 came the election victory of the success attained by this intelligent and
ZANU PF and the appointment of Robert hard working Man.
Mugabe to be the first Prime Minister of Mike Russell (ex-RAF and RhAF)
the new Zimbabwe.
Price: R380.00 at War Books (if available)
The author elected to stay in the Air

The Rhosarian 1/21 PROMOTIONS
October 2021
25
2022 Rhodesian Calendar
Hugh Bomford, editor for the Rhodesian Services
Association in New Zealand wrote:
We will be printing and selling 2022 calendars to
raise funds for The Lion and Tusk Museum.
We are grateful to Vic MacKenzie for providing
us with 12 of his cartoons featuring life in
Rhodesia.
Size - The calendar is an A3 size (42 cm x 30 cm)
wall hanger which folds in half for shipping.
Price: $14 [R150] per calendar plus P+P
P+P: For bulk or urgent delivery we are happy to give you a
quote for DHL.
Delivery times: DHL will deliver in about a week to most
countries or 2 to 3 weeks if it is in Africa.
The calendar features the following Vic MacKenzie
cartoons:
January - Rhodesian Names
February - Rhodesian School Sports
March - Rusape River Boat Race
April - Rhodesian Gogos
May - Rhodesian Dams
June - Rhod Country Districts Rugby
July - Rhodes and Founders
August - Rhodesia RTV
September - Rhodesian Pets
October - Rhodesian Roads
November - Rhodesian Radio
December - Rhodesian Drive In Theatre
To reserve your order please email me at
thecqstore@rhodesianservices.org
Tell me how many you want and what
the delivery address is (a contact phone
number is also helpful).

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
26
At Milton High School, in Bulawayo, we were taught Rudyard Kipling’s
inspiring poem on courage and integrity.
Kipling stated that this was modelled on the life
and character of Rhodesia’s Chief Justice and
Administrator, Leander Starr Jameson:
If
“If you can keep your head when all about you
are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
but make allowance for their doubting too.
If you can wait but not be tired by waiting,
or being lied about not deal in lies,
or being hated don’t give way to hating,
and yet don’t look too good nor talk too wise.
If you can dream and yet not make dreams your master,
If you can think and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with triumph, or disaster
and treat those two imposters just the same,
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools;
or watch the thing you gave your life to broken
and stoop to build them up with worn out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
and risk it on one turn of pitch and toss,
and lose and start again at your beginnings
and never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
to serve your turn long after they’ve gone;
and so hold on when there’s nothing in you
except the will that says to them: ‘Hold on!’;
If you can talk to crowds and keep your virtue,
and walk with kings nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you.
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
with sixty seconds worth of distance run,
yours is the earth and everything in it,
and which is more you’ll be a man my son.”
Rudyard Kipling

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
27
Remembrance Day
11 November is packed full of meaning for anyone whose relatives fought in the
World Wars and for all who had the privilege of growing up in Rhodesia. 56 Years
ago on Thursday, 11 November 1965, at the most solemn moment of the 11 th hour of
Armistice Day, Ian Douglas Smith, the Prime Minister of Rhodesia, signed Rhodesia’s
Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Throughout the English
speaking world, the 11 th November is observed as a Remembrance Day to solemnly
recall the end of hostilities of World War One at the 11 th hour of the 11 th day of the 11 th
month of 1918. In time, it has come to be observed as a Memorial Day for all who died
in both World Wars and in other subsequent conflicts. Numerous of the Memorials
have this Scripture verse etched into the stone: “Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
This year, as we remember the attempt by Rhodesia to make a brave stand against the
advance of Communism in Africa, we should remember the many courageous soldiers
and civilians who gave their lives in that fight against terrorism and Marxism, and the
many innocent victims of the terrorist onslaught.
In 1976, Ian Anderson of the League of Rhodesia wrote: “From Thermopylae (480 BC)
to Malta (AD 1565)… it has often fallen to a small community of people to give moral
examples to its larger and more powerful neighbours… in each case valuable breathing
space was gained for other parties to rally to the cause and to complete the task so boldly
initiated by faith. We in Rhodesia have a very strong sense of national purpose. We feel
we have been singled out by Providence to be a stumbling block in the path of Communist
aggression…” (Rhodesia: Myths and Facts)
In standing firm against Communist
aggression for 15 years, Rhodesia
indeed won valuable breathing
space for the free world. In much
the same way as the 300 Spartans
held up the enormous invading
force of Persians at Thermopylae
and as the courageous knights of St.
John resisted the Islamic invasion
of the small island of Malta, In
time, history will recognise that
the sacrifices and courage of
Rhodesians in resisting Communist
terrorism contributed to the
ultimate collapse of Communism
in Eastern Europe in 1989. The reign of terror and state sponsored terrorism of Robert
Mugabe’s ZANU-PF regime in Zimbabwe have only vindicated Ian Smith’s position. In
time it will become even clearer that in no small measure Ronald Reagan’s successful stand
against Communist expansion in the 1980’s was made possible by Rhodesia’s stand against
Communist terrorism in the 60’s and 70’s.
“You have never lived until you have almost died
and for those who fight for it, life has a flavour
the protected will never know.”

28 The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
28
Looking Back

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021 29
29
Looking Back

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
30
The following article has been drawn from Guide to the Public Archives of Rhodesia, Volume
1 1890-1923, edited by T. W, Baxter, first published in 1956 by the National Archives of
Rhodesia. The article has been shortened for publication in The Rhosarian magazine, 2021.
BIRTH OF A NATION
The eleventh day of February 1888
was a fateful day for Rhodesia; on that day
Lobengula, Paramount Chief of the Matabele
nation, signed a treaty with the British
government, with profound consequences
for his country's future. The terms of this
covenant are as follows:
The Moffat Treaty
"The Chief Lobengula, ruler of the tribe
known as the Amandebele, together with the
Mashuna and Makakalaka tributaries of the
same, hereby agrees to the following articles
and conditions:
That peace and amity shall continue for
ever between Her Britannic Majesty, Her
subjects, and the Amandebele people; and the
contracting Chief Lobengula engages to use
his utmost endeavours to prevent any rupture
of the same, to cause the strict observance of
this Treaty, and so to carry out the spirit of the
Treaty of friendship which was entered into by
his late father the Chief Umziligaas with the
then Governor of the Cape of Good Hope in
the year of our Lord 1836.
It is hereby further agreed by Lobengula
Chief in and over the Amandebele country
with its dependencies as aforesaid, on behalf
of himself and people, that he will refrain
from entering into any correspondence or
Treaty with any Foreign State or power to sell,
alienate or cede, or permit or countenance any
sale, alienation or cession of the whole or any
part of the said Amandebele country under
his Chieftainship, or upon any other subject,
without the previous knowledge and sanction
of Her Majesty's High Commissioner for South
Africa.”
The constitutional history of Southern
Rhodesia might be said to have begun with the
signing of this document.
The Rudd Concession
On 30 October 1888 Lobengula put his
name to another document known as the
Rudd Concession. Charles Dunell Rudd,
Rhodes’s partner in Kimberley, was leader of
the party that secured the concession. For a
consideration of:
“ . . . the sum of one hundred pounds
Sterling British Currency on the first day of
every lunar month and further to delivery at
my Royal Kraal one thousand Martini Henry
Breech loading Rifles, together with one
hundred thousand rounds of suitable ball
cartridges . . . and further to deliver on the
Zambesi River a Steamboat with guns suitable
for defensive purposes . . .”
Rhodes and his financial associates were to
receive:
“ . . . complete and exclusive charge over
all metals and minerals situated and contained
in my Kingdoms, Principalities and dominions
together with full power to do all things that
they may deem necessary to win and procure
the same and to hold collect and enjoy the
profits and revenues if any derivable from
the said metals and minerals subject to the
aforesaid payment . . .”
Rhodes’s grandiose dream of establishing
British influence in the far north and of
occupying the open frontier of South Africa
could now become a reality.
The Royal Charter
On 30 April 1889 a scheme was submitted
to the British government for the formation
of a company to develop the region . . .
lying immediately to the north of British

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
31
Bechuanaland and to the north and west of the
South African Republic, and to the west of the
had the right of repealing or varying any of
the provisions of the Charter which related to
Portuguese dominions . . . The Company’s administrative or public matters. The Crown
objects were to extend the railway and
telegraph systems northwards; to encourage
immigration and colonization; to promote
trade and commerce; and to develop and work
mineral and other concessions under the aegis
reserved the right to declare protectorates
over and to annex any territory, and the right
to revoke the Charter at any time if it should
appear to the Crown that the Company was
not acting in conformity with the Charter, or
of one powerful organization. A petition, not pursuing the objects which its promoters
praying for a Royal Charter, was presented on
13 July 1889 and on 29 October 1889, on the
day preceding the anniversary of the signing
professed to have in view.
The Pioneer Column
To make effective the Rudd Concession
of the Rudd Concession, Rhodes received and the rights conferred by the Royal Charter
the Royal assent to his Charter. On that it was necessary for the Company to send a
day The British South Africa Company was
incorporated...
body of men to occupy Mashonaland. In view
of the known hostility of a section of the
Rhodes and his associates relying on Matabele and the apprehended rivalry of the
explorers’ reports, believed that an “El Transvaal and Portugal, it was imperative that
Dorado” would be found in the north. The this force should be able to protect itself. It
Company would not mine the new wealth was against this background that the Pioneer
on its own. Others would do so, and the Column was planned. This consisted of a
Company would recoup its outlay on the Pioneer Corps of two hundred men recruited
work of developing and administering the from many trades and professions who were
country by a share in their profits. Later the escorted by a police force of 500 men. On
Company claimed the ownership of the land arrival at their destination the Pioneer Corps
which it disposed of to colonists attracted by was free to scatter and prospect for minerals
the markets of the new mining townships. In and find other means of livelihood. ...
addition, it formed other important companies Major Frank Johnson was placed in
particularly with the object of opening up the command of the Pioneer Corps and the overall
country by means of railway communications.
command of the Column was given to Lieut-
The Charter defined a vast field of
Col Edward Graham Pennefather, a regular
operations in which the Company could
officer of the 6th Dragoons.
acquire concessions, and over which it
The occupation of Mashonaland by the
could exercise considerable political and
Company was sanctioned on behalf of the
administrative power. Within the area of such
Imperial Government by Sir Henry Loch, the
concessions legislative rights were conferred
High Commissioner, in a telegram dated 6
upon the Board, which was authorized to
June 1890:
make ordinances, subject to the approval of
“. . . The object to be attained is the
the Secretary of State.
peaceable occupation of Mashonaland . . .”
The Charter also permitted the formation
Occupation
of a police force and the establishment of
The Pioneer Column left Tuli on 11 July
courts. ...
1890 and reached its destination, twelve miles
A clause in the Charter provided that at the
from Mount Hampden, on the morning of
end of the first twenty-five years, and at the
12 September 1890. The place was named
end of every subsequent ten years, the Crown

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32
Fort Salisbury in honour of Lord Salisbury,
the Prime Minister who permitted Rhodes to
secure the Royal Charter. On 13 September
1890, as a symbol of effective British
occupation of the territory, the Union Jack was
ceremoniously hoisted. ...
Establishment of Administration
In terms of the above Order the
High Commissioner made provision by
Proclamation dated 10 June 1891, for the
administration of the whole of the Territories
south of the Zambezi which fell within the
sphere of The British South Africa Company.
Under this Proclamation, the law of the Colony
of the Cape of Good Hope as existing at the
date of the promulgation of the Proclamation,
was applied to the new territory.
Provision was also made for the constitution
of courts, appointment of judicial and police
officers, and generally for the establishment of
the machinery of administration.
In October 1890 Archibald Ross
Colquhoun, who had accompanied the Pioneer
Column, took over the administration with
the title of Acting Resident Commissioner.
There were about 1,000 Europeans in the
country. ... There was at first no separate
native administration and several offices
were frequently held by the same individual
who was often unqualified. Colquhoun
represented the Resident Commissioner who
resided in British Bechuanaland, and was
succeeded on 18 September 1891 by Leander
Starr Jameson who took over the direction of
affairs in Mashonaland with the title of Chief
Magistrate.
The Lippert Concession
Meanwhile, doubts had arisen regarding the
ownership of the land. The Rudd Concession,
though it gave its owners mineral rights, made
no mention of land rights. Edward Amandus
Lippert obtained a complementary concession
from Lobengula. He sent E. Ramsay
RennyTailyour to Matabeleland who returned
with an alleged concession dated 22 April 1891,
without Lobengula’s sign manual but stamped
with his elephant seal. As Rhodes doubted
the authenticity of this document, Lippert
obtained a copy authenticated by John Smith
Moffat, the British Assistant Commissioner
for the Bechuanaland Protectorate, then in
Bulawayo. ...
Lippert sold this concession to the
Company for £30,000, together with 15,000
shares in the Company and all the expenses of
the journey to Matabeleland.
The Company, though it considered itself
entitled to the land, did not make grants in
Lobengula’s name, nor did it pay the annual
£500 upon which the rights under the treaty
were conditional.
Early Administration
The first three years of the Company’s
administration were marked with hardship
and disappointment. After the enthusiasm of
adventure had passed, daily unyielding travail,
sickness and fear was the lot of the settlers.
Communications were practically non-existent
and the high hopes of striking rich deposits
of gold in Mashonaland gradually receded.
Then there was trouble with the Matabele
who had existed for many years by raiding
weaker tribes. They wanted cattle to support
their economy and prisoners to maintain their
political ascendency and satisfy the ambitions
of their chiefs. The Company too stood to gain
from war. ...
Matters came to a head with the theft of
telegraph wire followed by cattle raids which
culminated in Lobengula sending a force
to punish culprits in Fort Victoria and its
neighbourhood. No Europeans were molested
but the number of natives killed was estimated
at four hundred, some of whom were in the
service of Europeans. The people became
alarmed and feared for their lives and property.
Petitions were made to Jameson. On 14 August
1893 he signed an agreement with the settlers
which is known as the Victoria Agreement.

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
33
In consideration for serving in the Victoria destruction of what was their sole wealth.
Defence Force volunteers would receive There were also allegations of forced labour
[benefits] as full remuneration:
imposed by the Company on natives and
The Matabele War
discontent over the oppressive behaviour of
The High Commissioner forbade any the Company’s native police. On 22 March
military advance until the Matabele had 1896 the Matabele revolted; isolated settlers
first taken offensive action. It was not long were in grave danger and many were killed
before they did so and Jameson launched his before they could reach the comparative safety
campaign. The Salisbury and Victoria columns of the laagers. In June the Mashona rose and
joined forces and after two sharp engagements, the whole country was in confusion. Rhodes
Bulawayo was reached on 4 November 1893. saw the danger of a prolonged expensive war
Lobengula died during the course of his flight and courageously arranged an indaba with the
from the Company’s forces and with the Matabele chiefs in the Matopos Hills on 21
Matabele power broken the occupation by the August 1896 which resulted in peace with the
Company of the whole territory to be known Matabele. The Mashona rebellion dragged on
as Rhodesia was completed.
for a few more months.
The Matabele Order in Council, 1894 The Jameson Raid and the rebellions
These events made a constitutional rearrangement
necessary and this was affected military and native policies. A Colonial Office
resulted in severe criticism of the Company’s
by the Matabeleland Order in Council, 1894. Memorandum dated 13 January 1898 describes
The High Commissioner’s powers continued, the constitutional changes to be introduced
but the Company was now permitted to appoint and explains the proposed increased power of
an Administrator, subject to the Secretary of control over legislation ...
State’s approval.
The Southern Rhodesia Order in Council,
The Jameson Raid, and the Rebellions 1898
A period of development and administrative Accordingly the Southern Rhodesia
consolidation was interrupted by the effects of Order in Council, 1898, was passed. This
the Jameson Raid. Jameson crossed into the left Company rule in existence but provided
Transvaal with the bulk of the Company’s for a number of new features. The Council
police in an attempt to reach Johannesburg was divided into two bodies. One of these,
and, by joining forces with the Reform the Executive Council, composed of the
Committee, to “liberate the Uitlanders” who Company’s senior departmental officials,
were dissatisfied with the Kruger regime. The continued to deal with the more important
results of the raid both on the fortunes of the aspects of administration and government; and
Company and the country were serious. The the other, the Legislative Council, consisting of
Matabele, who had never been disarmed, nominated official members appointed by the
took advantage of the absence of the major Company from its most senior civil servants
part of the police force and were moved to and of elected representatives, was the lawmaking
assembly. The High Commissioner,
attempt the recovery of their freedom. There
had been discontent over the ownership of after consultation with the Administrator, was
Lobengula’s cattle and a plague of locusts was empowered to fix the qualifications of electors
quickly followed by an outbreak of rinderpest and candidates to the Legislative Council.
which the veterinary officers endeavoured to The franchise was based solely on a property
stamp out by large scale slaughter. The native qualification which largely confined the vote
mind could not understand the reason for the to European settlers. The Legislative Council

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
34
was empowered to make Ordinances which exports. Many factors contributed towards this
required the High Commissioner’s consent and achievement. The building of railways meant
which could be disallowed by the Secretary that machinery could be brought in more
of State. The Administrator was able to issue easily and coal was delivered from the Wankie
regulations and notices on the strength of coal mines. ... The development of mining in
existing legislation. A new departure was the its turn created new markets for the farmers.
appointment of the Resident Commissioner More time was devoted to arable farming, and
to represent the Imperial Government in in addition to maize and cattle a few other
Rhodesia. He was ex-officio member of the commodities, such as tobacco, began to be
Executive and Legislative Councils and took produced for export. Economic expansion
precedence after the Senior Administrator. also had considerable effects on the country’s
The Administrator, however, remained the indigenous population, whose primitive,
king-pin of government. He presided over the largely self-sufficient barter economies
Legislative and Executive Councils and had a were gradually being drawn into a monetary
share in both the making and the execution of market economy. Large numbers of men left
the laws. He appointed magistrates and native their villages for limited periods to work for
commissioners, subject to the approval of the European employers and recruitment was
High Commissioner and the Secretary of State. extended to Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland
The Administrator, moreover, was Secretary which were drawn into the Colony’s economic
of Native Affairs and thus was in a position to orbit.
give his closest attention to native problems. As the country began to develop, the old
The South African War
rough-and-ready methods of administration
With its new constitution the country were no longer adequate and reforms became
in 1899 appeared to be entering an era of necessary. These owed a great deal to the
industrial and agricultural progress but the model of Cape Colony, and the Company
outbreak of the South African War in October soon began to engage a number of trained civil
of that year brought all advance to a stop. servants from the south. The most important
Rhodesia itself was not subjected to invasion
of these was William Henry Milton who was
but she contributed nearly 1,500 men to the
later knighted. Milton had reached high office
forces serving in the war; this represented
in the Cape administration where he had
one eighth of her European population. The
been closely associated with Rhodes’s native
withdrawal of so large a number of able bodied
policies. He became Acting Administrator in
men seriously impeded the development of the
country, until June 1902 when the war ended.
1897 and Senior Administrator a year later. He
The South African War was followed by
introduced a number of administrative changes
a period of dramatic economic expansion. and remained in office till 1914, giving
In 1901 the country’s European population the Company’s government a stability and
numbered some 11,000 but it increased threefold
within two decades.
,,, and in 1915 a Junior and Senior Division
continuity that had previously been unknown
Immigrants brought in new trades and were introduced into the service.
capital and began to exploit the country’s In order to deal with the increasing
resources more intensively. The most complexity of its tasks the service also added
spectacular development was in gold-mining more specialists to its establishment. From the
which in 1913 accounted for £2,919,000 out of end of the 19th century onwards new officers
£3,297,000 of the total value of the country’s were appointed, such as a Medical Director,

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
35
a Collector of Customs and an Inspector of knighted, to succeed Milton. The new
Education. By 1902 the country’s financial Administrator had not been a civil servant
administration had become sufficiently before but had acquired a wide experience in
complicated to necessitate the appointment of several other walks of life. ... His problems
a Treasurer who began to take an important were vast. He had to face new political
part in the work of government. From about demands and he also had to guide the country
1907 the Company also began to modify its through the Great War 1914-18 which brought
earlier economic policy which had mainly all major political developments to a standstill.
been aimed at encouraging the mining industry. Southern Rhodesia, in relation to its
Land settlement was now promoted more population and scanty resources, made a large
actively and in 1908 a Director of Agriculture contribution to the British cause. Nearly 7,000
was appointed. ...
out of a total European population of some
Political Development
24,000 were on active service. Of these nearly
At the same time, however, a new element 6,500 served outside Southern Rhodesia.
entered on the local political scene. The settler The war gave rise to a short-lived boom
community was increasing, not only in wealth in raw materials which led to increased
and numbers, but also in political ambition. immigration. Then came a slump and by
The colonists soon began to make new 1921 there was a glut of agricultural products
demands and these became more vocal after on the market. High freight charges and high
Rhodes’s death in 1902. Rhodes had wielded prices for agricultural machinery were at the
an immense influence in the country, but when same time making things more difficult for the
he died the personal link between the London farmer. From 1916 gold production declined
directorate and the country’s white population but partially recovered in 1920, nevertheless
was to a great extent severed. ... In their efforts rising expenses forced many of the small
to achieve wider representation, giving them workers out of business. Though these losses
a greater say in the conduct of affairs, the were made up to some extent by the further
colonists achieved considerable success. In development of base minerals, there was
1903 their elected representatives obtained distress and some industrial unrest among
parity in numbers on the Council with the Europeans.
nominated members.
The Supplemental Charter
Thenceforward the political history In addition to these difficulties there were
of Southern Rhodesia followed a course other factors which more especially affected
which a later age can easily see to have been the Company’s future in Southern Rhodesia.
inevitable. There was continued pressure from It will be remembered that an article of the
the settlers for an increasing share of political Charter provided that at the end of twenty-five
power; pressure which in practice could not years from the date of the Charter, and at the
be resisted until in 1907 the Company agreed end of every succeeding period of ten years,
to an arrangement which virtually placed any of the provisions of the Charter relating
the elected members in a majority in the to administrative and public matters could
legislature. An Order in Council of 1911 gave be altered or repealed. ... The Company’s
formal and legal effect to this arrangement. ... consent to a modification of the Charter was
In 1914 the Company appointed Francis accordingly obtained. In 1915, therefore, the
Drummond Percy Chaplin, who was later Supplemental Charter provided that:

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
36
“ . . . if at any time after the 29th day of the country passed from the Company.
of October, 1914, the Legislative Council This balance was subsequently assessed by a
of Southern Rhodesia shall, by an absolute committee under Lord Cave.
majority of the whole number of the Members Buxton Commission
of the Council as then constituted pass a With the outbreak of the Great War 1914-
resolution praying the Crown to establish in 18 a political truce was observed throughout
Southern Rhodesia the form of Government the territory and for about two years there was
known as Responsible Government, and shall little political activity. However, in 1917, the
support such resolution with evidence showing advocates of Responsible Government formed
that the condition of the territory financially an association which received an increasing
and in other respects is such as to justify the measure of public support. Following upon
establishment of the form of Government the Privy Council judgement, there was a
aforesaid, it shall be lawful for Us, Our Heirs considerable increase in political activity and
and successors, if We or They at any time think the Legislative Council asked the Imperial
fit to accede to the prayer of such Resolution Government what proof of financial or other
. . .”
fitness would be required before Responsible
Ownership of the Land
Government was granted.
The original Charter had provided In 1920 a new Legislative Council was
that at the termination of the Company’s elected and twelve of the thirteen popularly
administration the Crown should have elected members returned were pledged
the right to take over buildings and works to secure Responsible Government, the
belonging to the Company and used for exception being an advocate of Representative
administrative or public purposes on payment Government under the Crown. The new
of compensation, but gave the Crown no right Council immediately passed a resolution
to take any other asset of the Company. It requesting the Imperial Government to
thus became of pressing importance to solve inaugurate Responsible Government, and in
the vexed question whether the unalienated response a Commission was appointed under
land was or was not such an asset. This matter the chairmanship of Lord Buxton to enquire
was brought before the Judicial Committee into the matter. This Commission reported in
of the Privy Council, which decided in 1918 1921 and its findings were favourable to the
that ... The Company could only dispose of request.
the unalienated lands in its administrative ...
capacity. In effect as long as the land was in A deputation, headed by Charles Patrick
the hands of the Company it was held by it as John Coghlan, then went to London to discuss
security for what it had spent out of pocket on with the Colonial Office as to the form of
the Crown’s account in the administration of constitution that should be granted. In the
the country and the management of the land. meantime, however, a new element had been
The money so spent was a debt from the Crown introduced into the political situation by the
to the Company and while the Company held presentation of a petition which asked the
the land it was entitled to use the revenue from Colonial Office to ascertain on what conditions
it to the reduction of that debt. It followed that South Africa would accept Southern Rhodesia
the Crown was liable for the repayment of any into the Union. From this date there were few
outstanding balance when the administration adherents to the proposal that government by

The Rhosarian 1/21 LOOKING BACK
October 2021
37
the Company should continue, as indeed the £8,000,000 has been paid in dividends to
Company itself had no wish that it should, and British shareholders in Rhodesian companies,
the situation now was that the territory could while not a single man who has acquired
either join the Union of South Africa, or become property or found his home and livelihood
a political entity of its own. Many Rhodesians in Rhodesia would be there at all unless the
were reluctant to embrace the former solution. Company had opened the country to him and
Professor Walker has commented on their had established the security, the order, and the
fears of republicanism and bilingualism, their means of communication which had made his
dread of a possible influx of poor whites into life possible.”
the country’s still half-empty acres and their It is especially noteworthy that from the
dislike of a native labour exodus to the Rand. incorporation of the Company in 1889 to
Some settlers considered Southern Rhodesia’s the granting of Responsible Government in
native policy superior to that of the Union 1923 the shareholders never received a single
and in addition there was opposition among dividend for their investment. The final
the white workers to General Smut’s labour decision of the Colonial Office in the matter of
policies.
a settlement was accepted
The Referendum
The Company relinquished all financial
The Referendum was held on 27 October claims against the Crown in return for a cash
1922 and resulted in 8,774 votes for Responsible payment of £3,750,000; it abandoned all right
Government and 5,989 votes for joining the and interest in the land other than the lands
Union of South Africa. The people’s wishes used by it for its commercial purposes; the
were clear and with this pointer to the way that Crown recognized the Company as the owner
events must shape it became necessary, as a of the mineral rights.
matter of urgency, to establish the terms of the Responsible Government
settlement by which the Company would hand The way was now clear for the issue
over its administrative responsibilities. of Letters Patent granting Responsible
The Devonshire Agreement
Government to Southern Rhodesia and the
The value of the Company’s achievements Colony was formally annexed to the British
as an agency of civilization and economic Crown under the new constitution which came
development had been described in 1918 by into force on 1 October 1923. Thus ended
its Chairman:
an eventful and not inglorious chapter in the
“ . . . the Empire, the settlers, the natives, history of the Empire, conceived by Cecil John
the British traders and investors have reaped Rhodes out of whose vision came reality.
the whole profit of nearly thirty years of effort.
The Chartered Shareholders have received
nothing . Turbulent and destructive tribes have
been converted into peaceable, prosperous
and fairly industrious subjects of the King.
The frontier lands have been secured and have
become a source of strength to Great Britain.
British trade with the territories has been
created amounting in the aggregate, taking
only the last ten years, to £60,000,000. Nearly

The Rhosarian 1/21 HUMOUR
October 2021
38
The lighter side of life
Even at age 88, my mother was vain
about her looks. At a party, an old
friend exclaimed, "Edith, you haven't
changed in 20 years."
"Oh," said Mom, horrified. "I hope I
didn't look like this 20 years ago."
A nurse friend of mine took a
104-year-old patient for a walk in
the hospital corridor. When she got
him back to his room and sat him
down, he took a deep breath and
announced, “That was great! I don’t
feel a day over 100!”
“Poor Old fool,” thought the welldressed
gentleman as he watched an
old man fish in a puddle outside a pub.
So he invited the old man inside for a
drink. As they sipped their whiskeys,
the gentleman thought he’d humor the
old man and asked, “So how many
have you caught today?” The old man
replied, “You’re the eighth.”

The Rhosarian 1/21 OPPORTUNITIES
October 2021
39

The The Rhosarian 1/20 1/21 OPPORTUNITIES
October 2020 2021
40
ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE
8th NOVEMBER 2020, from 10h00
The Rhodesian Forces Memorial Committee (RFMC) has been
concerned that Covid-19 regulations in South Africa will not allow us to
have a service where the numbers attending are not restricted. At the time
of writing, it remains most unlikely that we can hold a memorial service
without restrictions. Although the current restrictions are a lot more
favourable than they have been in the recent past, with social distancing
we would only be allowed to have 150 people seated under the tent. The
committee took the view that it is ‘all or none’ so, we have decided to cancel
the memorial service & parade and decided that a videoed Memorial
Service would be produced and released on YouTube at 10h00 on Sunday
8th November 2020 - Remembrance Sunday.
A 47-minute video of a typical RFMC memorial service has been
professionally produced. The filming of the video was only possible by
special favour of Dickie Fritz MOTH Shellhole, who had to be extremely
cautious of the elderly residents at the complex.
Tune into YouTube using "Rhodesian Forces Memorial Service - 2020".
Althought the Service will be streamed initially fr om 10h00 on 8 November,
it will remain on YouTube for viewing whenever convenient.

OPPORTUNITIES
The Rhosarian 1/21 1/20 NOSTALGIA 2020 October 2021
41
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The Rhosarian 1/21 October 2021
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