Rhodesia - Interesting story...Anyone know someone from there?

billh1963 · billh1963's Garage

I was at a dinner party over the weekend and met an ex-pat from Rhodesia. He was born and raised there. He was in the Selous Scouts and had to leave the country when Mugabe took over. He had to leave everything behind. He told us all kinds of stories of growing up there and you could tell that the memories made him sad for what was lost.

I spent a couple of hours yesterday doing some research and the fall of Rhodesia is truly a sad story. Unfortunately, there are a few troubling parallels to what is happening in the US. It just goes to show how meddling by outside forces can cause everyone to lose.

Does anyone know someone from Rhodesia who lived through the fall?

m21sniper · 06-01-2009, 11:07 AM

A certain Pelican claims to have ties to the Rhodesian army.

legion · 06-01-2009, 11:23 AM

A very similar thing has happened in South Africa.

And in two decades, this country.

billh1963 · billh1963's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

A very similar thing has happened in South Africa.

And in two decades, this country.

That's what I'm afraid of...

Schumi · 06-01-2009, 11:29 AM

"We call it Zimbabwe now..."

Interesting stories come out of that time. I have only heard them second hand unfortunately; haven't met anyone who was there while it was happening.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Not Rhodesia, but South Africa. We have "friends of friends' that are ex-pats from and never will return.

Rot 911 · 06-01-2009, 11:58 AM

Due to some work in the military in the past I am a member of a South African Parabat forum. Sad to see how that country has changed over the years.

Joeaksa · 06-01-2009, 12:17 PM

My flight attendant was born there and lived in Rhodesia for many years until forced out. I have spent a lot of time in Africa but refuse to go into Zimbabwe as its a completely lawless country.

Mugabe is worse than Idi Amin Dada and needs to be taken out and hung until dead.

The Gaijin · 06-01-2009, 12:27 PM

Over the years their has been many apologists for Mugabe and his regime. The destruction of that country has been going on for a long time.

David · David's Garage

My boss' wife's sister had a farm there. I hear some really f'd up stories from them.

The father fought to end white rule (he was white) and got murdered for his effort. The story goes that his Rhodesian Ridgeback dog protected his master's grave until the dog died too.

The two sons came across poachers and were taken hostage. They managed to get away and turn in the poachers. After the poachers were hung in street, the boys had to move to the states to avoid being killed.

And on and on...

I have some college friends who worked there for the US State Dept. Their stories weren't as good, but still very interesting.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

I know a family that lived in Zimbabwe, then fled. Last I heard her mother still lives there which causes much concern.

fingpilot · 06-01-2009, 02:30 PM

South Africa was truly one of the most beautiful countries of the world. It is all gone. Think South Central Los Angeles, but with attitude and 3X the automatic weapons.

Rhodesia and French West Africa came a close second. Kenya has tried to maintain, but is slipping back into tyranny.

You are right..... America is looking a lot like the good old days in Africa.

Bill Douglas · 06-01-2009, 03:24 PM

I've got cousins in Zim and South Africa, and have spent months in both countries. I loved Zim, but it had no beaches. South Africa had nice beaches but I wouldn't want to live there. My cousin Peter got thrown out of Rhodesia because of his war time activites. I've visited Cecil Rhodes grave site too. Don't be put of visiting when things calm down a little.