1950
The liberation movements that led the armed struggle for Zimbabwean independence evolved from trade union and nationalist organisations which, in turn, developed into mass protests in the 1950s.
Timeline
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1959 Southern Rhodesian African National Congress was banned. December 1961 The National Democratic Party, which succeeded the Southern Rhodesian African National Congress was banned, barely two years in existence. 1962 ZAPU was banned. 1962 During the year 1962, arms came in from Tanganyika through Northern Rhodesia to Bulawayo. 1962 As early as the 1962, Zambians welcomed ZAPU exiles and continued to provide a base throughout the struggle until Zimbabwe gained independence. 1963 ZAPU established an army, first known as the Special Affairs Department, then later in 1971, the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZPRA or ZIPRA). 1963 Military training of army personnel took place and continued until 1979. March 1963 Jack Ngwenya was sent to establish an office in Lusaka, Zambia. 1965 Edward Ndlovu represented ZAPU at the Tri-Continental Conference in Havana where Fidel Castro assumed the role of benefactor of third-world liberation. 1967 Wankie and Sipolilo Campaigns took place in alliance with the ANC in South Africa. 1970 Towards the end of the 1970s, ZAPU received tens of thousands of refugees. It accommodated them and those who were old enough received military training. 1970 A large number of military recruits and refugees flooded Zambia. 1970 By the mid-1970s, ZAPU structures were all well established in Botswana. 1971 ZPRA or ZIPRA was formed. 1974 Towards the end of 1974, Ian Smith released imprisoned and restricted leaders of ZAPU and ZANU. 18 March 1975 Herbert Wiltshire Chitepo was assassinated.
January 1977 Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo was assassinated. JZ Moyo Camp was named in his honour.
December 1979 Ceasefire declared and the constitution for an independent Zimbabwe was signed. Elections were scheduled for March 1980.
March 1980 The first elections for an independent Zimbabwe took place.
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