Jonah Sithole

Jonah Sithole (1919-1979) was a Zimbabwean nationalist leader and politician. He was a founding member of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963, initially serving as its first president.

Sithole was a prominent figure in the struggle against white minority rule in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). His leadership of ZANU during the 1960s and 1970s was marked by periods of imprisonment and exile. He articulated a vision of Black majority rule and advocated for armed resistance against the Rhodesian government.

However, Sithole's leadership within ZANU was challenged by Robert Mugabe, who eventually took control of the party. Internal power struggles and differing approaches to the liberation struggle led to a split within ZANU. Sithole continued to lead a faction of the party, often referred to as ZANU-Ndonga.

Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Sithole served in parliament. His political influence waned over time, and he became increasingly critical of Mugabe's rule. He died in 1979 under contested circumstances. His legacy remains complex, reflecting the intricate dynamics of the Zimbabwean liberation movement.