"I had to save Rhodesia."
Thus Sir Garfield Todd, a towering figure in the history of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, defined his mission. He was a missionary from New Zealand who became a Zimbabwean and six years after entering politics became Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia in the early years of the ill-fated Central African Federation. He highlighted the dilemmas experienced by white liberals--derided by whites and denounced by black nationalists as sell-outs. Garfield Todd combined high intelligence, strong self-will, immense energy, great oratory and a sense of high moral purpose, but was a man of contradictions. He entered politics to oppose racial discrimination yet joined, and eventually led, the establishment party of white privilege. Todd has a unique and major place in the making of Zimbabwe, and in the history of Southern Africa and modern Africa.
Thus Sir Garfield Todd, a towering figure in the history of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, defined his mission. He was a missionary from New Zealand who became a Zimbabwean and six years after entering politics became Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia in the early years of the ill-fated Central African Federation. He highlighted the dilemmas experienced by white liberals--derided by whites and denounced by black nationalists as sell-outs. Garfield Todd combined high intelligence, strong self-will, immense energy, great oratory and a sense of high moral purpose, but was a man of contradictions. He entered politics to oppose racial discrimination yet joined, and eventually led, the establishment party of white privilege. Todd has a unique and major place in the making of Zimbabwe, and in the history of Southern Africa and modern Africa.
