Joshua Nkomo Biography and Timeline

Rhodesian Nationalist Leadership Consolidates

Joshua Nkomo rose in nationalist organising before ZAPU's formation as African political movements challenged white minority government.

Zimbabwe African Peoples Union Established

Joshua Nkomo emerged as the leader of the new Zimbabwe African People's Union after the colonial government banned its predecessor movement.

Colonial Authorities Ban ZAPU

Southern Rhodesian authorities outlawed ZAPU, driving its organisers toward clandestine activity and political organisation outside the colony.

Nationalist Organisers Seek External Support

ZAPU representatives sought neighbouring African governments' support after restrictions at home severely constrained their political activity.

ZAPU ZANU Split Deepens

The nationalist movement divided when dissidents formed ZANU, leaving Nkomo leading ZAPU and competing for international recognition.

ZAPU Retains Political Organisation

Nkomo maintained ZAPU's organisation after the split, drawing important support from western areas of Southern Rhodesia.

Nationalist Leaders Detained

Rhodesian security authorities detained Nkomo during a broad crackdown on nationalist opposition and efforts to resist minority rule.

UDI Rejected by Nationalists

ZAPU opposed the Rhodesian government's unilateral declaration of independence because it perpetuated white minority political control.

Wankie Campaign Cooperation Begins

ZAPU's armed wing ZIPRA cooperated with South African ANC guerrillas during the Wankie campaign against Rhodesian forces.

Sipolilo Campaign Intensifies

ZIPRA and allied guerrillas fought Rhodesian security forces during operations in the Sipolilo area in the continuing liberation struggle.

Nationalist Consultation Broadens

Nkomo engaged with African nationalist discussions about constitutional proposals and prospects for majority rule in Rhodesia.

Detained Leadership Maintains Symbolic Influence

Nkomo remained in detention while supporters continued to view him as a major figure in Rhodesian nationalist politics.

ZAPU Diplomacy Revived

Nkomo rebuilt regional diplomatic contacts as southern African political changes altered the prospects for a Rhodesian settlement.

Victoria Falls Talks Attended

Nkomo participated in constitutional negotiations convened near Victoria Falls, but the talks did not achieve a durable agreement.

Patriotic Front Established

Nkomo joins Mugabe in presenting a united Patriotic Front at independence negotiations.

Role range: 1961-1987

Patriotic Front Formed

Nkomo joins Robert Mugabe in forming the Patriotic Front for independence negotiations.

Role range: 1961-1987

Patriotic Front Strategy

Nkomo supports a Patriotic Front strategy combining negotiation and armed pressure.

Role range: 1961-1987

ZAPU Leadership

Nkomo leads ZAPU while coordinating its role within the Patriotic Front.

Role range: 1961-1987

ZIPRA Military Wing

Nkomo's ZAPU operates ZIPRA as its armed wing during the liberation struggle.

Role range: 1961-1987

Patriotic Front Alliance Formed

Nkomo and Robert Mugabe presented a common negotiating front linking ZAPU and ZANU while preserving their separate organisations.

Geneva Settlement Conference Begins

Nkomo represented nationalist demands at the Geneva discussions on Rhodesia's transition from minority rule.

Secret Smith Talks Disclosed

Nkomo explored negotiations with Ian Smith's government while remaining committed to a settlement recognising majority rule.

Air Rhodesia Shooting Deepens Conflict

ZIPRA's destruction of a civilian Air Rhodesia aircraft and the killing of survivors intensified international criticism of the conflict.

Election

The Patriotic Front parties boycott the elections

Lancaster House Conference Opens

Nkomo joined the Patriotic Front delegation at the Lancaster House talks that negotiated the end of Rhodesia's constitutional crisis.

Ceasefire Framework Negotiated

ZAPU representatives accepted arrangements for a supervised ceasefire and transitional elections under the Lancaster House settlement.

Independence Election Campaign

Nkomo campaigns as Patriotic Front-ZAPU leader in the independence election.

Role range: 1980-1982

ZAPU Election Campaign Conducted

Nkomo's Patriotic Front ZAPU contested independence elections separately from Mugabe's ZANU and won substantial support in Matabeleland.

Nkomo Joins Independence Cabinet

Following Zimbabwe's independence Nkomo served in the coalition government led by Robert Mugabe.

Coalition Tensions Increase

Relations between ZAPU and ZANU leaders became strained as disputes over security and political power escalated.

Dismissal from Cabinet

Mugabe dismisses Nkomo and other ZAPU ministers after alleged arms discoveries.

Role range: 1980-1982

Dismissal from Government

Mugabe dismisses Nkomo from the cabinet after alleging a coup conspiracy.

Role range: 1980-1982

Fifth Brigade Operations

Nkomo condemns military operations against communities associated with ZAPU.

Role range: 1980-1982

Nkomo Removed From Cabinet

Mugabe dismissed Nkomo from government following allegations involving arms caches and a widening breakdown between the parties.

Matabeleland Violence Escalates

Security operations against alleged dissidents caused grave civilian suffering in areas associated with ZAPU political support.

ZAPU Contests Parliamentary Election

Despite intimidation and pressure ZAPU retained significant parliamentary support in its regional strongholds during the national election.

Unity Negotiations Advance

ZAPU and ZANU representatives pursued talks aimed at ending political violence and agreeing a single governing party.

Unity Accord Signed

Nkomo signs the Unity Accord merging ZAPU into ZANU-PF.

Role range: 1961-1987

ZANU-PF

A Unity Accord is signed between the two parties; PF-ZAPU is merged into ZANU-PF, effectively establishing a one-party state dominated Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF, Joshua Nkomo becomes one of two vice-presidents. After 8 years of "low-level" civil war termed Gukurahundi, the opposition Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU), led by Joshua Nkomo, merges with ZANU to form ZANU-PF with the added moniker of Patriotic Front

Appointment as Vice-President

Nkomo becomes Vice-President following the ZANU-PF and ZAPU political settlement.

Role range: 1990-1999