THE FOUNDATION OF RHODESIA (ZIMBABWE)


In 1888,
At the instigation of Cecil Rhodes,
the missionary John Moffat
was sent to Matabeleland
to use his father's reputation
to persuade
the king Lobhengula
Neither the Boers nor the Portuguese
would be permitted
to gain concessions,
the king wanted
British protection
and unhesitatingly signed the treaty

South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia


The Moffat Treaty
Solemnly proclaimed
“Peace and amity - shall continue forever
between Her Britannic Majesty,
Her subjects, and the Amandebele people.”
Moreover, king Lobenghula
Promised to refrain
From entering into
“Any correspondence or treaty
With any Foreign State or Power"

And by the Rudd Concession,
Britain had exclusive mining rights
and agreed that Rhodes' company
would be granted to use them
Queen Victoria signed the charter in 1889

South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia

So Rhodes sent the Pioneer Column,
A group of white settlers
Protected by well-armed
British South Africa Police (BSAP)
And guided by the big game hunter
Frederick Selous,
Through Matabeleland and into Shona territory
He established Fort Salisbury (Harare)
In 1893–94,
With the help of their new maxim guns
The BSAP would go on to defeat the Ndebele
In the First Matabele War,
A war which also resulted
In the death of King Lobengula
And the death of most of the members of the Shangani Patrol.

South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia
South Rhodesia Zimbabwe North Rhodesia Zambezia

Then the Ndebele were led
By their spiritual leader Mlimo
Against the white colonials
And thus began the Second Matabele War.
After months of bloodshed,
Mlimo was found and shot
By the American scout
Frederick Burnham
And soon thereafter Rhodes
Walked unarmed into
The Ndebele stronghold
In Matobo Hills
And persuaded the impi
To lay down their arms,
Ending the revolt.