THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
 The Germans, Boers, Portuguese and the British all wanted to colonize Zimbabwe due
to different reasons.
 Zimbabwe was eventually colonised by Britain on the 12th of September 1890.
 The colonisation process started in 1890 with the occupation of Mashonaland by the
Pioneer Column and ended in 1893 after the Anglo-Ndebele war.
 This war saw colonial rule being extended to Matabeleland.
Causes / Reasons behind colonisation of Zimbabwe
Economic factors
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Need for raw-materials needed for British industrialisation e.g. minerals, ivory, timber
e.t.c.
Need for markets.
Mineral wealth i.e. Rhodes believed that the gold belt stretched from Transvaal into
Zimbabwe so he wanted to take control of this gold belt for his own and Britain’s
benefit i.e. he hoped to find second Rand in Zimbabwe.
Need for ivory.
Need for game for meat.
Need for fertile soil for agriculture.
Need for investment.
Political factors
 Rhodes was an ambitious and rich individual who wanted to promote British
imperialism.
 He also wanted gain political control of the whole region which explains why he
personally financed and encouraged the occupation of the region.
 He viewed Zimbabwe as a strategic starting point for his dream to “paint the map of
Africa red” which meant/entailed establishing a chain of territories for the British
from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt and joining them with a railway
line.
 The British capitalised upon friendship treaties signed between local leaders and
British officials to move into Zimbabwe e.g. the Moffat Treaty of February 1888.
 To stop Boer northwards expansion and thereby derailing Rhodes’ Cape to Cairo
dream.
Religious Factors
 Missionaries encouraged and pleaded with their governments to colonise the country
so they could fulfil their religious interests.
 Missionaries wanted to spread Christianity and convert Africans into believers.
 This could be achieved if the British colonised the region.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
How Zimbabwe was colonised/ Steps towards colonisation
BERLIN CONFERENCE, 1884- 1885
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This conference provided a catalyst for the colonisation.
Rhodes rushed to get treaties as was agreed at this conference.
The Pioneer Column occupied Zimbabwe as a way of fulfilling the resolution of
effective occupation, as was agreed upon at the Berlin Conference.
Treaties and concessions signed by Lobengula
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Tati Concession or London Limpopo Treaty of 1870.
Baines Treaty of 1871.
Grobler Treaty of 1887.
Moffat Treaty of February 1888.
Rudd Concession of October 1888.
Lippert Concession of 1891
Problems faced by Lobengula in dealing with concession seekers.
 Opposition from his army who wanted all foreigners kicked out of the “country.”
 Language problem in communication.
 Poor advice from his councillors.
 Dishonest advice from white acquaintances e.g. missionaries and hunters.
 The difficulty of having to judge and deduce the best European group to deal with.
 Illiteracy / Poor education levels prevented him from fully understanding the
implication of what he was required to sign.
 He had fear of the unknown i.e. he was afraid of what would happen if he did not
sign.
 Concession seekers also cheated when sometimes they pretended to be working
against each other to influence his decisions e.g. Lippert sold his concession to
Rhodes.
 Lobengula also had a weakness for luxury goods and was easily influenced by
receiving gifts of no lasting value.
 In the Rudd Concession, imperialists fooled Lobengula by stressing mostly the verbal
terms which they knew Africans valued most, and wrote something else down for
Lobengula to sign.
 Imperialists used bribery to get Lobengula’s officers to act on their side e.g. Bribing
Lotshe who was later executed by Lobengula.
 Fear of harm that might befall his kingdom made him make the rush decision to sign
the Rudd Concession.
 Used the delaying tactic by making them wait for long periods.
 Made them perform tasks for him before dealing with them.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
 He failed to ward them off and was always pushed into giving in more to the demands
of each new group in the hope that it would end there.
 He also failed to see the white man’s game of psychological war on him, where they
exaggerated the dangers of his not coming to terms with them hence making him sign
treaties earlier than he should have.
 The determination of the Europeans meant that Lobengula had no of chance
succeeding against the concession seekers.
 Imperialism/Colonialism was unstoppable and either way, he was going to be
absorbed.
N.B ZIMBABWE was colonised after many “friendship” treaties had been signed. Some of
these are discussed below.
Grobler Treaty of 1887
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Signed between Lobengula and Piet Grobler representing Republic of Transvaal /
Boer Republic.
It was a treaty of friendship.
Terms of the Grobler Treaty:
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Established everlasting peace between the Ndebele and Boer Republic.
Recognised Lobengula as the paramount chief of the Ndebele.
Lobengula was to provide military assistance to the Boers whenever it was required.
Lobengula agreed to catch and extradite all criminals who escape from Transvaal
Republic.
Hunters and traders from Transvaal Republic only would be allowed to operate in
Lobengula’s kingdom without hindrance.
Transvaal Republic would appoint a consul (ambassador) who would settle in
Lobengula’s kingdom.
The consul would administer justice among other functions to the citizens of the Boer
Republic in Lobengula’s state.
Benefits from Grobler Treaty
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Lobengula was recognised as the legitimate king of the Ndebele.
Friendship with the Boers was guaranteed.
Non-benefits
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The content of the whole treaty was wholly in favour of the Boers.
Lobengula was not allowed to administer justice to the Boers in his kingdom
The treaty gave nothing to Lobengula in return for his concession.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
MOFFAT TREATY OF FEBRUARY 1888
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Rhodes felt outmanoeuvred by the Boers and hastily sent John Smith Moffat to King
Lobengula’s court in order to persuade him to cancel the Grobler Treaty.
Moffat succeeded in getting Lobengula to repudiate or cancel the Grobler Treaty.
Moffat then asked Lobengula to sign another treaty which became known as the
Moffat Treaty.
Terms
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The treaty established everlasting peace and friendship between Lobengula and the
British.
Lobengula was not to enter into any correspondence or treaty with any foreign state or
to sell or cede any part of his kingdom without permission from British High
Commissioner
Lobengula cancelled the Grobler Treaty.
Lobengula agreed to use all his powers to preserve the treaty
Benefits
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Lobengula gained British friendship
Non-benefits
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Lobengula lost his power to conduct foreign policy without British interference.
He lost power to give mining concessions.
Lobengula was now a puppet of the British.
RUDD CONCESSION OF OCTOBER 1888
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Signed between Lobengula and Rhodes’ emissaries or representatives.
These emissaries were Charles Rudd (Rhodes’ business associate), Rochfort McGuire
(a lawyer) and Francis Thompson who was fluent in Zulu and Ndebele.
These men persuaded Lobengula to sign the treaty but the king was reluctant.
Lobengula’s negotiating team composed of his senior indunas: Lotshe, Babajane,
Sikombo, and Mshete.
Sikombo and Lotshe were bribed by Thompson so that they would influence
Lobengula to sign the treaty.
Rhodes’ emissaries were also assisted by Reverent Charles Helm who acted in two
capacities, first as a friend to Lobengula and secondly as an agent of imperialism.
He was paid by Rhodes to persuade Lobengula to sign.
Negotiations went on for a month.
Eventually, Lobengula obliged.
Lobengula was promised fictitious benefits.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
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Rudd Concession seekers were assisted by: Charles Helm (missionary), Sir Shippard
(British High Commissioner), Sikombo (induna) and Lotshe (induna).
Verbal Terms
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Rhodes would protect Matabeleland from European imperialism.
Rhodes to put notices in South African newspapers warning white concession seekers
to keep out of Matabeleland.
Whites in Matabeleland to obey Ndebele laws.
Whites entering Matabeleland to surrender their guns at Lobengula’s capital on
arrival.
Only 10 men shall enter Matabeleland.
To dig one hole only.
Whites were not to settle permanently.
The few whites would not mine near towns
Whites who came to Matabeleland were to fight in defence of the Ndebele state.
No machinery and employees were to be brought in the country before payment of the
first instalment of the rifles.
Written terms of Rudd concession
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Ndebele king to get 100 pounds monthly.
A gunboat to patrol the Zambezi or payment of 500 pounds.
1000 rifles and 100 000 rounds of ammunition for king Lobengula.
In return Lobengula agreed to:
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Give Rhodes “exclusive and complete” mineral rights in his kingdom.
Give full powers to Rhodes to do “all things he may deem necessary” to carry out
and expand his mining activities i.e. get the metals and minerals.
This was daylight robbery and outright fraud!!!!!
Give Rhodes power to hold, collect and enjoy profits and revenue derived from the
same metals and minerals.
Disdain or refrain from giving concession of land or mining rights without consulting
and approval from Rhodes or the British High Commissioner.
Notices were to be placed in South African newspapers notifying other whites to keep
out.
Uphold the rights granted under Tati.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
Benefits of Rudd Concession
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The Ndebele had short term benefits:
European support gave Lobengula stability and security of his throne and leadership.
Gained protection against other external dangers e.g. Boers, Germans and Portuguese.
Gained money and weapons
Problems of Rudd Concession
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The Treaty used to justify colonisation of Zimbabwe.
Gave too much power to Rhodes.
Most verbal terms left out in written treaty.
There was a restriction of Lobengula’s power in foreign policy.
Led to the invasion of Zimbabwe by the Pioneer column.
It was a product of bribery.
Lobengula was cheated.
Lobengula’s response to the Rudd Concession
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Maund (Rhodes’ competitor) informed Lobengula that he was cheated or conned.
Lobengula invited a few explorers to explain the Rudd Concession to him.
Lobengula continued to emphasise the verbal agreement of the Rudd Concession to
those at his court.
Lotshe was executed together with his family.
He refused to accept his payment in form of arms and ammunition.
He sent a search part after McGuire.
Lobengula wrote to Rhodes complaining about the Rudd Concession. He also wrote
to the High Commissioner in Botswana.
Lobengula wrote a letter to the Queen complaining that he never gave away his
country to anybody.
He sent his emissaries Babiyane and Mshete to the Queen accompanied by Maund
and Colenbrander.
However, Lobengula’s emissaries were delayed at Cape Town until after the Charter
was granted.
He publicised his repudiation or cancellation of the Rudd Concession in newspapers.
Lobengula signed the Lippert Concession with a German financier.
Lippert Treaty granted land rights to Lippert.
Unfortunately, Lippert sold his concession to Rhodes and this gave Rhodes more land
rights.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
The Royal Charter - October 1889
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Armed with the Rudd Concession, Rhodes approached the British Queen seeking a
charter to enable him to colonise Lobengula’s kingdom for and on behalf of the
British government.
The Charter could only be granted after Rhodes demonstrated that he had adequate
financial resources to undertake the annexation or occupation of Zimbabwe.
Rhodes’ position was strengthened by his company the BSAC which he formed in
April 1889.
BSAC was an amalgamation of De Beers (Rhodes’ old company), Rothschild,
Consolidated Goldfields and Exploring and Exploiting Company (owned by Maund).
The directors of this company were: Duke of Abercorn, Duke of Fife and Lord Grey.
Rhodes got the support of important and influential personalities in London.
These personalities included the following:
 Duke of Fife
 Duke of Abercorn
 Lord Grey
 Lord Salisbury
 Prince of Wales
 Baroness Burdette Coutts
 Queen Victoria
Eventually, Rhodes was granted a Charter authorising him to:
(a) Promote good governance.
(b) Start a police force.
(c) Make laws.
(d) Promote trade and commerce.
(e) Promote civilisation.
(f) Abolish slave trade.
(g) Preserve peace and order.
(h) Issue mining concessions.
(i) Grant plots of land.
(j) Monetarise the economy.
(k) Establish banks.
(l) Make roads, railways, telegraphs and bridges.
(m) Respect local laws, customs and religion.
(n) Ban sale of liquor to locals.
(o) Act upon advice of Secretary of State for colonies.
(p) Reserve posts of Directors of companies to British subjects.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
Summary of steps taken by Rhodes to colonise Zimbabwe between 1887 and 1890
 Rhodes sent John Smith Moffat in February 1888 to repudiate/cancel the Grobler
Treaty.
 In October 1888, Rhodes sent his agents who tricked Lobengula into signing the Rudd
Concession. The Rudd Concession strengthened the Moffat treaty.
 In October 1889, Rhodes was granted the Royal Charter and permission to colonise
and administer Zimbabwe on behalf of Britain.
 He used his personal fortune to finance the occupation of Zimbabwe.
 He formed the British South Africa Company.
 Recruited the Pioneer Column made up of 200pioneers assisted by 500policemen.
 Pioneers carried out the process of effective occupation of Zimbabwe.
 Pioneers moved into Zimbabwe establishing various forts along the way.
 Raised the British flag, the Union Jack on 12September 1890 to signify/show that
Zimbabwe was now a British colony.
 Signed treaties with the Africans.
The Pioneer Column
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This was a first group of mercenaries and settlers organised by Rhodes for the purpose
of occupying Zimbabwe.
Leaders of this group were:
(a) Colonel Pennefather
(b) Major Frank Johnson
(c) Captain JohnWillougby
(d) Maurice
(e) Burrow
(f) Dr. Leander Starr Jameson
(g) Archibald Colquhoun
(h) Fredrick Selous
(i) Francis Thompson
Recruitment process& Composition of Pioneer Column
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Advertisements were flighted in newspapers
Applications came from as far as Europe, America, and South Africa.
Over 2000 applications were received from within South Africa, Canada, New
Zealand and Britain.
Macloutsie was the assembling area.
Preference was given to those with South African experience.
Only 200 were selected from people of various trades or professions for example
prospectors, doctors, blacksmiths, farmers, miners, bakers, engineers, traders,
lawyers, carpenters, builders, teachers and nurses.
The Column was made up of three groups: Pioneer Corps, Mounted Police (BSAP)
and Ngwato Auxiliary force.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
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Pioneer Corps wore brown uniforms and the BSA Police wore blue uniforms.
The 200 selected (Pioneer Corps) had South African experience and aged below 30.
The 200 were accompanied by 500 policemen (BSAP).
Each pioneer settler was promised 3000 acres of land and 15 gold claims and cash
(Daily allowance of 7 shillings and 6 pence).
Major Frank Johnson was the leader of the Pioneer Corps.
Heany and Barrow were second in command.
Colonel Pennefather was in charge of the whole group.
He was deputised by Captain John Willoughby.
Fredrick Courtney Selous was the guide of the pioneer column.
Pioneer column had a fleet of 117 ox drawn wagons.
Security arrangements
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The police force would protect the Pioneer Corps, keep order among the settlers and
crush any resistance from Africans.
Pioneers were recruited and equipped by Frank Johnson, Heany and Burrow.
They were organised along military discipline.
Pioneers were given military training.
Each pioneer was armed.
A lot of ammunition was provided.
They had heavy guns like maxims, two seven pounders, and machine guns.
They had a search light in case they were attacked at night.
They were accompanied by Ngwato auxiliary force whose duties involved: clearing of
the road, herding cattle and taking care of wagons and horses.
Maintained patrols on horse-backs.
Used laagers when they camped at night.
Used advance parties to survey the route for any possible danger.
Established forts on their way (e.g. Fort Tuli, Fort Victoria, Fort Charter, and Fort
Salisbury).
Left policemen to guard forts.
Movement of the Pioneer Column/Invasion
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The pioneers assembled in Botswana.
The march took about two and half month to complete.
Started the march in June 1890.
Selous led the Pioneers.
They crossed Macloutsie River on 27 June 1890.
Crossed Shashi River on 11 July 1890.
Their speed was slow (travelled an average of 16 Km a day).
Their speed increased after Fort Victoria.
Scouts patrolled the area.
They avoided Matabeleland.
Established Fort Tuli (Plumtree) by late July 1890.
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THE COLONISATION OF ZIMBABWE
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The Pioneers started to clear the road under the directions of Selous (Chief scout).
Laagers provided security during their camping.
Opened Fort Victoria (Masvingo) by early August 1890.
Established Fort Charter (Chivhu) by late August 1890.
On 12 September 1890, they reached Harare and hoisted the British flag (Union Jack).
They found a fort which they named Salisbury there.
On 13 September the Pioneer Column was disbanded and they started pegging off
farms and gold claims
13 September was declared a national holiday known as Pioneer Day.
Lobengula’s reaction to the Pioneer Column
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Lobengula sent warning messages ordering pioneers to go back.
Amajaha were preparing to attack the pioneers.
Mobilisation started at Bulawayo.
New shields and sandals were made.
Lobengula restrained amajaha from attacking the pioneers.
Importance of Pioneers in the colonisation of Zimbabwe
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Pioneers included all traders or professions which were going to form the centre of
white community.
They were well equipped and self-sufficient.
They were trained for war.
Fought in 1893 and 1896 wars
Importance of other factors in the colonisation of Zimbabwe
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Rhodes was the financier.
Lack of resistance from the Shona.
Role of BSAC police.
Role of Khama’s auxiliary force.
Problems faced by the Pioneers during their movement
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Rough terrains.
Crossing many rivers e.g.Macloutsie, Mzingwane, Bubi, Nuanetsi, Runde, Tokwe and
Manyame.
Clearing the road.
Diseases like black water fever.
Death.
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