Ep14 THE BURNING OF KOBULAWAYO

After the chaos of the Rudd Concession - there are a few years of constructive interaction as King Lobengula ensures the safety of the Pioneer Column and British Representative, John Moffat, runs a tough regime ensuring everyone trying to enter Matabeleland abides by the Kings Rules. But the impi are finding their way of life has changed too much and are becoming increasingly restless.

I would like to mention the excellent work done by the ZimFieldGuide. If this first series of video logs has sparked your interest in our remarkable history - it is a worth while trip through time looking up their website - you will find many thought provoking articles and answers in its collection of well researched and curated items. There are many many fulfilling hours ahead! www.zimfieldguide.com

Ep #13 PIONEERS, CHARTERS AND MATEBELE WARRIORS

The scramble for Africa accelerated following the Berlin Conference in 1885 as those with any claim to relationships with parts of the continent strove to make treaties with local Chiefs. The Rudd Concession was just one of several being drawn up - the Portuguese in todays Mozambique had signed documents with Chiefs Makoni and Mutasa - but the lure of the British and the preferred conditions they were hearing about made them think twice. My thanks to ZimFieldGuide for their wonderful source of visuals to support these talks.

Build me a man who is straight and true, Whose purpose is straight and clear, Build me a man who will make me laugh, when my heart is gripped with fear. Build me a man who will hold his course, whatever the race he ran, Oh for our country’s greater good Plumtree, build me a man.

Poem written by an anonymous mother … and printed in “The Plumtree Record” - 1946. Photos: Zimfieldguide.com and BSAC records.

#7 THE BRITISH EMPIRE AND ITS IMPACTS

What propelled the maddened rush to central and southern Africa? Why was Southern Rhodesia's colonisation unique - unlike any other? Was Rhodes a complete idiot to take on the British South Africa Company - or a driven genius? An overview of the incredible global drivers and events taking place just before the inauguration of King Lobengula.

Thank you John Posselt and the Zim Field Guide for those photographs and insights into Mother Patrick and her work. She achieved so much in her 36 years.

The photograph on the right is from the National Tapestry, showing the British South Africa Company badge at the top; bottom left the Royal Red Cross Medal awarded to Mother Patrick by Queen Victoria in 1898, right the granite Celtic Cross on her grave. The tapestry depicts Rhodes, Mother Patrick and the four other Dominican sisters in 1893.

#2 MZILIKAZI KHULAMO CHALLENGES TSHAKA

What finally drove a young man from a small clan within a remote tribe on the Black Umfolozi River to challenge the might of the great military strategist Ki… finally drove a young man from a small clan within a remote tribe on the Black Umfolozi River to challenge the might of the great military strategist King Tshaka? And how did he do it?

As King Mzilikazi became more and more powerful and the discipline and success of the Matabele more renowned, Mzilikazi meets a man who talks about things he cant envisage and brings items which challenge everything he knows. photo: ZimfieldGuide.com

#1 ZIMBABWE: Land between Two Rivers

What to we do while we're trying to avoid cabin fever or 'the virus' ... it's just a thought - walk with me as we discover afresh the vibrant history of that land between two rivers - the Zambezi and the Limpopo. I hope it keeps you otherwise occupied for the next ten minutes or os, and that you'll be interested enough to tune in this time next week for the next one.

#1 What were the determining factors which led to the suddenly increased interest in Southern Africa as more than merely a provisioning stop on trade routes to the East . . . or a source of slaves?