Category: Rhodesia

50th Anniversary of the Chancellor Cup

9-12 September 1978

In 1978, the Chancellor Cup Scout Camping competition celebrated its 50th anniversary. The cup was first given to the Scouts of Mashonaland in 1928 by Sir John Chancellor, the first Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1923-1928).

The camp ran over four days at Coronation Park in Salisbury. While previous camps ran at Ruwa Park, the event was moved to Salisbury due to security concerns surrounding the Bush War.

Commemorative Covers

• Scout Stamps Collectors Club

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Swearing-in of the first Majority Rule Government

8 May 1979

On 8 May 1979, Bishop Abel T. Muzorewa was sworn as the first black Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Several hundred guests watched the ceremony on the grounds of the Dutch Colonial‐style mansion that served for 60 years as the residence of the British governor. Those present included black supporters of the Bishop, many of whom spent years in political detention, and prominent Europeans, including the outgoing Prime Minister, Ian D. Smith.

The rites featured another upholder of white rule, Chief Justice Hector MacDonald, in scarlet robes and a white wig, and were punctuated by trumpet fanfares blown by black policemen in golden‐tasseled fezzes. Afterward, women supporters of Bishop Muzorewa added an African flavor by ululating and advancing to the Bishop’s feet on hands and knees, a traditional gesture of respect.

Commemorative Covers

References

• New York Times, May 1979

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Last Day of Rhodesian Flag

1 September 1979

On Monday, 11 November 1968, Rhodesia flew its new green and white throughout the country. The flag was officially flown for the last time on 1 September 1979.

Commemorative Covers

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Direct British Rule in Rhodesia

12 December 1979

The Zimbabwe Rhodesia government entered into negotiations with the external nationalists at Lancaster House held under the auspices of the British Government. This resulted in a ceasefire and the arrival of the British Governor, Lord Soames, on 12 December 1979.

With the Lancaster House Agreement, Rhodesia reverted back to being a British Colony under direct control from London. UN sanctions were lifted and legality was restored. The Union Jack was also reinstated, although in practice the Zimbabwe Rhodesian flag continued to fly.

Commemorative Covers

Other covers

• Salisbury Stamp Co (Pvt) Ltd

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Last Day of Posting

31 May 1979

On 1 June 1979, Rhodesia became the unrecognised state of Zimbabwe Rhodesia. The last day of posting mail from the unrecognised republic of Rhodesia was on 31 May 1979.

Commemorative Covers

• Den of Antiquity

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Founders Day

10 July 1979

Founders Day was one of the original Rhodesian holidays designated by The Bills of Exchange Regulations, 1895. The holiday commemorated founders of European rule, other than Cecil J Rhodesia, in Rhodesia. It was placed directly following Rhodes’ Day to create what became commonly known as the annual four-day “Rhodes and Founders’ weekend”

Commemorative Covers

• Den of Antiquity

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Rhodes Day

9 July 1979

Rhodes Day was one of the original Rhodesian holidays designated by The Bills of Exchange Regulations, 1895. The holiday commemorated Cecil J Rhodes’s birthday (5 July 1853) and fell on the first or second Monday in July to create the four-day ‘Rhodes and Founders’ weekend.’

Commemorative Covers

• Den of Antiquity

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