Understanding the Colonial and Federal Structure of Southern Africa

The historical unity and dissolution of the regions that are now known as Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia with Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) have been the subject of many questions and misconceptions. This article seeks to clarify these points, providing a detailed examination of their historical backgrounds and the reasons for their respective statuses.

Colonial Backgrounds and Territorial Divisions

Before delving into the federations and subsequent political developments, it is crucial to understand the colonial histories and territorial divisions of these regions.

Namibia

While Namibia is often mentioned in relation to Southern Rhodesia, it had a distinct history. Until the 1980s, Namibia was controlled by South Africa and was known as South West Africa. Originally a German colony, it became a League of Nations mandate under South African administration following World War I. This division was a result of the post-war settlement and not a part of the Southern Rhodesian federation.

Botswana

Botswana also had a unique colonial history. Before Southern Rhodesia was established, Botswana was a British Protectorate. Its purpose was to secure mineral resources and to limit the expansions of the Afrikaner states of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. Botswana’s distinct colonial identity explains why it was never a part of Southern Rhodesia.

British South Africa Company and Cecil Rhodes

The territories that would later become Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) were initially secured by the British South Africa Company, led by Cecil Rhodes. Rhodes obtained the backing and permission from the British government to sign agreements with chiefs, ensuring that they would either ally with Britain or receive British protection, thereby preventing similar agreements with Portugal, France, or Germany.

Economic and Political Federations

Before the establishment of Southern Rhodesia as an independent state, the region was part of a larger colonial federation. This Northern Rhodesia-Zambia, Nyasaland-Malawi, and North and South Rhodesia-Zimbabwe were joined together in a federated structure to serve as an economic unit, primarily to counter the influence of racially segregated South Africa.

Formation and Dissolution of the Federation

The Central African Federation was formed as an economic union in the late 1950s, comprising Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Nyasaland (Malawi), and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). This federation was designed to be an economic unit that could serve as a non-racial counterbalance to South Africa’s apartheid regime. However, the federation faced substantial opposition from the black populations of these regions and was eventually dissolved by the British in 1964 after a few years of operation.

Botswana, not being part of this federation, was never considered as a possible fourth member. Its role as a British Protectorate and its purpose to secure mineral resources and limit Afrikaner expansions meant it remained distinct.

Conclusion

Throughout the colonial and post-colonial periods, the regions now known as Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia each had a unique history and purpose. While the federation of Northern Rhodesia, Zambia, Nyasaland, Malawi, and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) was intended as an economic counterbalance to South Africa, it was ultimately opposed by the black populations and dissolved. Understanding these complex historical contexts is essential for grasping the current political and social landscapes of the region.