Zimbabwe Rhodesia general election, 1979
Encyclopedia
The Zimbabwe Rhodesia
general election of April 1979 was held under the internal settlement negotiated by the Rhodesian Front
government of Ian Smith
intended to provide a peaceful transition to majority rule on terms not harmful to Rhodesians of European descent
. The internal settlement was not approved internationally but the incoming government under Bishop Abel Muzorewa
did decide to participate in the Lancaster House
talks which led to the end of the dispute and the creation of Zimbabwe
.
The 20 White Roll members were elected from new constituencies made up of combinations of the previous constituencies. The Common Roll members were elected by province using a closed list system. It was intended to set up a full electoral register and institute single-member constituencies for future elections.
and ZAPU
, pledged to disrupt the election and called for a boycott. By 1979, all of Rhodesia apart from the central area between Salisbury
and Bulawayo
was under a form of martial law due to attacks by the Patriotic Front's armies, ZANLA and ZIPRA.
In the event the turnout was quite respectable in Mashonaland, although somewhat depressed in Manicaland and Victoria. In Matabeleland South, where ZIPRA was strongest, the turnout was lowest.
Polling day was April 10, 1979.
* - Subsequently formed the Zimbabwe Democratic Party (see below)
** - These candidates had resigned from the United National Federal Party and joined the Zimbabwe United Peoples' Organisation after nominations had closed. It was ruled that their candidatures stood.
Robert Siyoka (UNFP, Matabeleland South) resigned, and was replaced by Sami Thomani Siyoka on June 28, 1979.
On June 25, 1979 James Chikerema led a group of eight elected UANC members in resigning from the party, and on June 29 seven of the eight formed the Zimbabwe Democratic Party. Actor Mupinyuri (UANC, Mashonaland Central) rejoined the UANC shortly after resigning from it. The seven who joined are denoted by asterisks in the lists above. A questionable wording in the electoral law led to the UANC taking legal action to disqualify the seven on the grounds that they had to keep their membership of the party in order to remain members of the Assembly, but Chikerema was successful in defending the right to break away.
Hilary Gwyn Squires
resigned in June 1979, moving to South Africa
to take up a legal career. David Colville Smith was returned unopposed as Rhodesian Front candidate for Borrowdale constituency on July 24, 1979.
Terrence Mashambanhaka (UANC, Mashonaland Central) was murdered on September 16, 1979 after being lured to an ambush at 'peace talks' with ZANLA forces. Abel Muringazuwa Madombwe was appointed to the Assembly to replace him on November 27, 1979.
Theunis Christian de Klerk (RF, Lundi) was killed in a rocket attack on his home on September 20, 1979. Donald Galbraith Goddard was returned unopposed to follow him on November 30, 1979.
passed several resolutions against the "illegal" election, including Resolution 445
and Resolution 448
, both of which argued that the election was not representative of the Zimbabwean people and was designed to entrench white minority rule. In these resolutions, the UN declared the results of the election null and void.
Zimbabwe Rhodesia
Zimbabwe Rhodesia , officially the Republic of Zimbabwe Rhodesia, was an unrecognized state that existed from 1 June 1979 to 12 December 1979...
general election of April 1979 was held under the internal settlement negotiated by the Rhodesian Front
Rhodesian Front
The Rhodesian Front was a political party in Southern Rhodesia when the country was under white minority rule. Led first by Winston Field, and, from 1964, by Ian Smith, the Rhodesian Front was the successor to the Dominion Party, which was the main opposition party in Southern Rhodesia during the...
government of Ian Smith
Ian Smith
Ian Douglas Smith GCLM ID was a politician active in the government of Southern Rhodesia, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe Rhodesia and Zimbabwe from 1948 to 1987, most notably serving as Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 13 April 1964 to 1 June 1979...
intended to provide a peaceful transition to majority rule on terms not harmful to Rhodesians of European descent
Whites in Zimbabwe
White Zimbabweans are people from the southern African country Zimbabwe who identify themselves as white...
. The internal settlement was not approved internationally but the incoming government under Bishop Abel Muzorewa
Abel Muzorewa
Bishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Rhodesia from the Internal Settlement to the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979...
did decide to participate in the Lancaster House
Lancaster House Agreement
The negotiations which led to the Lancaster House Agreement brought independence to Rhodesia following Ian Smith’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965. The Agreement covered the Independence Constitution, pre-independence arrangements, and a ceasefire...
talks which led to the end of the dispute and the creation of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
.
Electoral procedure
Under the agreement of 1978, the new Zimbabwe Rhodesia House of Assembly was to consist of 100 members. 20 were to be elected on the "White Roll" which was previously used to elect the majority of the Rhodesia House of Assembly. 72 seats were elected by the "Common Roll" which every adult in the country had a vote. Owing to the lack of an electoral roll, voters were instead marked with ink on their fingers in order to stop multiple voting. Once the 92 members had been elected, they assembled to vote for eight White non-constituency members. All the candidates for these posts were members of the Rhodesian Front.The 20 White Roll members were elected from new constituencies made up of combinations of the previous constituencies. The Common Roll members were elected by province using a closed list system. It was intended to set up a full electoral register and institute single-member constituencies for future elections.
Election campaign
The main question in the election campaign was how many Africans would vote in the common roll election. The Patriotic Front parties, ZANU-PFZimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front
The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front has been the ruling party in Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, led by Robert Mugabe, first as Prime Minister with the party simply known as ZANU, and then as President from 1988 after taking over ZAPU and retaining the name ZANU-PF...
and ZAPU
Zimbabwe African People's Union
The Zimbabwe African People's Union was a militant organization and political party that fought for the national liberation of Zimbabwe from its founding in 1961 until it merged with the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front in December 1987....
, pledged to disrupt the election and called for a boycott. By 1979, all of Rhodesia apart from the central area between Salisbury
Harare
Harare before 1982 known as Salisbury) is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe. It has an estimated population of 1,600,000, with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area . Administratively, Harare is an independent city equivalent to a province. It is Zimbabwe's largest city and its...
and Bulawayo
Bulawayo
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe after the capital Harare, with an estimated population in 2010 of 2,000,000. It is located in Matabeleland, 439 km southwest of Harare, and is now treated as a separate provincial area from Matabeleland...
was under a form of martial law due to attacks by the Patriotic Front's armies, ZANLA and ZIPRA.
In the event the turnout was quite respectable in Mashonaland, although somewhat depressed in Manicaland and Victoria. In Matabeleland South, where ZIPRA was strongest, the turnout was lowest.
Results
The final state of the parties was:| Party | Seats |
|---|---|
| United African National Congress | 51 |
| Rhodesian Front | 28 |
| Zimbabwe African National Union | 12 |
| United People's National Federation Party | 9 |
- Ind - IndependentIndependent (politician)In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do...
- NDU - National Democratic Union (Leader Henry Chihota)
- RF - Rhodesian FrontRhodesian FrontThe Rhodesian Front was a political party in Southern Rhodesia when the country was under white minority rule. Led first by Winston Field, and, from 1964, by Ian Smith, the Rhodesian Front was the successor to the Dominion Party, which was the main opposition party in Southern Rhodesia during the...
(Leader Ian SmithIan SmithIan Douglas Smith GCLM ID was a politician active in the government of Southern Rhodesia, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe Rhodesia and Zimbabwe from 1948 to 1987, most notably serving as Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 13 April 1964 to 1 June 1979...
) - UANC - United African National CouncilUnited African National CouncilThe United African National Council is a political party in Zimbabwe.In 1979, led by Bishop Abel Muzorewa, the UANC Party held formal power in Zimbabwe during the short-lived period of the Internal Settlement...
(Leader Abel MuzorewaAbel MuzorewaBishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Rhodesia from the Internal Settlement to the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979...
) - UNFP - United National Federal PartyUnited National Federal PartyUnited National Federal Party was a political party in Zimbabwe, formed in November 1978 by Chief Kayisa Ndiweni, who had been a leading figure in the Zimbabwe United People's Organisation. UNFP contested the 1979 election and won 9 seats, mostly in the Matabeleland provinces. It failed to win any...
(Leader Chief Kayisa NdiweniKayisa NdiweniKayisa Ndiweni was chief in Zimbabwe. He was hugely respected in Matabeleland, and a revered figure among his people in Ntabazinduna....
) - ZANU - Zimbabwe African National UnionZimbabwe African National UnionThe Zimbabwe African National Union was a militant organization that fought against the standing government in Rhodesia, formed as a split from the Zimbabwe African People's Union...
(Leader Ndabaningi SitholeNdabaningi SitholeNdabaningi Sithole founded the Zimbabwe African National Union, a militant organization that opposed the government of Rhodesia, in July 1963. A member of the Ndau ethnic group, he also worked as a Methodist minister. He spent 10 years in prison after the government banned ZANU...
) - ZUPO - Zimbabwe United People's OrganisationZimbabwe United People's OrganisationZimbabwe United People's Organisation was a political party in Zimbabwe, formed in December 1976 by Chief Jeremiah Chirau, an ex-minister in the Rhodesian Front government. ZUPO contested the 1979 election but failed to win a seat. It was disbanded before the 1980 election.The organisation's only...
(Leader Jeremiah ChirauJeremiah ChirauJeremiah Chirau was a notable figure among Rhodesia's chiefs, and during the UDI he became the only leader of the Zimbabwe United People's Organisation , a party largely comprising chiefs....
)
White Roll
| Constituency | Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVONDALE | John Alfred Landau | RF | unopposed |
| BORROWDALE | Hilary Gwyn Squires Hilary Squires Hilary Gwyn Squires is a retired South African judge and barrister, who was brought in to preside over the Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption trial in Durban, South Africa, so as not to tie up legal proceedings elsewhere while the trial proceeded.... |
RF | unopposed |
| BULAWAYO CENTRAL | Patrick Francis Shields | RF | unopposed |
| BULAWAYO NORTH | Wilfred Denis Walker Denis Walker Wilfrid Denis Walker is a former Rhodesian cabinet minister resident in the United Kingdom. He is known for his monarchist activities and anti-communism and is also the Company Secretary, Director and Treasurer of the International Monarchist League and its UK subsidiary, the Constitutional... |
RF | unopposed |
| BULAWAYO SOUTH | Wallace Evelyn Stuttaford | RF | 4,140 |
| Francis Robert Bertrand | Ind | 500 | |
| Jan (John) Francis Betch | Ind | 57 | |
| CENTRAL | Rowan Cronjé | RF | unopposed |
| EASTERN | Desmond Butler | RF | 2,538 |
| John Constantinos Kircos | Ind | 485 | |
| GATOOMA/HARTLEY | Pieter Kenyon Fleming-Voltelyn van der Byl P. K. van der Byl Pieter Kenyon Fleming-Voltelyn van der Byl, ID was a South African-born Rhodesian politician who served as the country's Foreign Minister from 1974 to 1979 as a member of the Rhodesian Front... |
RF | unopposed |
| HATFIELD | Richard Cartwright | RF | 2,672 |
| Charles James Britton | Ind | 334 | |
| Neville Ronald Arthur Skeates | Ind | 314 | |
| HIGHLANDS | Mark Henry Heathcote Partridge | RF | unopposed |
| KOPJE | Dennis Divaris | RF | 2,263 |
| Mrs. Esther Rawson | Ind | 834 | |
| Leslie Thomas Hayes | Ind | 28 | |
| LUNDI | Theunis Christian de Klerk | RF | unopposed |
| MAKONI | Jacobus Phillipus du Plessis | RF | unopposed |
| MARLBOROUGH | William Michie Irvine | RF | unopposed |
| MAZOE/MTOKO | Cecil Millar | RF | unopposed |
| MIDLANDS | Henry Swan Elsworth | RF | unopposed |
| MOUNT PLEASANT | Jonas Christian Andersen | RF | unopposed |
| NORTHERN | Esmond Meryl Micklem | RF | unopposed |
| SOUTHERN | Ian Douglas Smith Ian Smith Ian Douglas Smith GCLM ID was a politician active in the government of Southern Rhodesia, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe Rhodesia and Zimbabwe from 1948 to 1987, most notably serving as Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 13 April 1964 to 1 June 1979... |
RF | unopposed |
| WESTERN | Alexander Moseley | RF | unopposed |
Common Roll members
Polling day was April 21, 1979.| Province | Est. electorate | NDU | UANC | UNFP | ZANU | ZUPO | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | ||
| Manicaland (10) | 402,700 | - | - | - | 97,994 | 53.7 | 6 | 8,398 | 4.6 | - | 69,136 | 37.9 | 4 | 7,115 | 3.9 | - |
| Mashonaland Central (5) | 187,800 | - | - | - | 138,360 | 80.7 | 5 | 9,593 | 5.6 | - | 16,968 | 9.9 | - | 6,582 | 3.8 | - |
| Mashonaland East (15) | 588,300 | 18,175 | 3.3 | - | 428,599 | 78.2 | 15 | 20,292 | 3.7 | - | 39,461 | 7.2 | - | 41,767 | 7.6 | - |
| Mashonaland West (6) | 264,300 | - | - | - | 245,737 | 83.4 | 6 | 12,941 | 4.4 | - | 24,682 | 8.4 | - | 11,228 | 3.8 | - |
| Matabeleland North (10) | 383,400 | - | - | - | 79,108 | 40.8 | 5 | 75,350 | 38.9 | 4 | 22,242 | 11.5 | 1 | 16,985 | 8.8 | - |
| Matabeleland South (5) | 191,200 | - | - | - | 10,318 | 20.0 | 1 | 30,318 | 58.9 | 3 | 7,365 | 14.3 | 1 | 3,502 | 6.8 | - |
| Midlands (11) | 419,600 | - | - | - | 137,120 | 60.6 | 7 | 24,006 | 10.6 | 1 | 47,525 | 21.0 | 3 | 17,551 | 7.8 | - |
| Victoria (10) | 388,900 | - | - | - | 75,403 | 56.1 | 6 | 13,543 | 10.1 | 1 | 35,549 | 26.5 | 3 | 9,840 | 7.3 | - |
Candidates and elected members
| NDU | UANC | UNFP | ZANU | ZUPO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANICALAND PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Edward Stewart Mazaiwana | 1. A. Siwellah | 1. Rev Ndabaningi Sithole Ndabaningi Sithole Ndabaningi Sithole founded the Zimbabwe African National Union, a militant organization that opposed the government of Rhodesia, in July 1963. A member of the Ndau ethnic group, he also worked as a Methodist minister. He spent 10 years in prison after the government banned ZANU... |
1. P. Ndoro | |
| 2. David Charles Zvinaiye Mukome | 2. C. Jenah | 2. Noel Mukono | 2. P. Mubekati | |
| 3. Simpson Victor Mtambenengwe | 3. G. Gwenzi | 3. David Zamchiya | 3. T. Makunde | |
| 4. Elijah Smile Magavan Nyandoro | 4. L. Chiyangwa | 4. Arnold Sawanha | 4. N. Chingomo | |
| 5. John Moses Chirimbani | 5. E. Matsika | 5. D. Charangwa | 5. L. Mufararipwa | |
| 6. Maxwell Pfereyegota Chambara | 6. K. Dhlamini | 6. [C. Chiremba (deceased)] | 6. J. Tandi | |
| 7. John Zwenhamo Ruredzo | 7. J. Manjengwa | 7. Miss Vesta Saungweme | 7. A. Katso | |
| 8. P. Chakaza | 8. A. Moyo | 8. R. Chikosi | 8. R. Hlatiwayo | |
| 9. M. Chingwara | 9. T. Meda | 9. W. Chadokwa | 9. D. Jamela | |
| 10. Kagoro Felix Kadzombe | 10. J. Dhliwayo | 10. Mrs S. Nduku | 10. Mrs P. Nyahe | |
| MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Mucheki Kachidzwa | 1. R. Madanire | 1. Dr N. Munyoro | 1. N. Mutuma | |
| 2. Reki Mashayamombe | 2. D. Panashe | 2. E. Charirye | 2. S. Chimanikire | |
| 3. Micheck Nyika Chagadama | 3. A. Nyandoro | 3. L. Masawi | 3. K. Chitsike | |
| 4. Actor Mupinyuri | 4. R. Chiwaridza | 4. C. Katsande | 4. S. Chipiro | |
| 5. Terrence Mashambanhaka | 5. B. Chasi | 5. B. Gambanga | 5. S. Moyo | |
| MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Henry Chihota | 1. Abel Tendekai Muzorewa Abel Muzorewa Bishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Rhodesia from the Internal Settlement to the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979... |
1. Kingdom Sithole | 1. Joel Mandaza | 1. Leonard Mapuranga |
| 2. James Clever Mavunga Shereni | 2. Silas Mundawarara | 2. Ben Chanetsa | 2. Dr Joseph Gopo | 2. Alice Chinamora |
| 3. Rosten Gore | 3. Simon Chivaware Paraffin* | 3. Cyril Kachidza | 3. Abel Rumano | 3. Patrick Bwanya |
| 4. X. Mutendere | 4. Claudius Nhongonhema | 4. Robert Kachindamoto | 4. Dr Willie Nduka | 4. Walter Gawe |
| 5. W. Chitongo | 5. George Bodzo Nyandoro | 5. Fibion Munyuki | 5. Absolom Ndoro | 5. Mrs Stella Musarira |
| 6. D. Madamombe | 6. Ben Kuda Taputsa Mutasa | 6. Dominic Machaka | 6. Benjamini Muvuti | 6. Rogers Rutsito |
| 7. K. Muswe | 7. Enoch Dumbutshena* | 7. Marshall Mukono | 7. Mrs Evelyn Sithole | 7. Kenneth Dhluni |
| 8. L. Marufu | 8. Dr Dennis Nyamuswa | 8. Patrick Zemura** | 8. Mrs Siphikelelo Chizengeni | 8. Samuel Goredema |
| 9. J. Munda | 9. Beatrice Manyara Mutasa | 9. Mrs Sheila Tamuka | 9. Kesiwe Malindi | 9. Lewis Msengezi |
| 10. P. Mavunga | 10. Rev Farai David Muzorewa | 10. Nimrod Ndhlela | 10. Davison Sambo | 10. Canaan Gomwe |
| 11. Mrs. H. Shereni | 11. Essiah Zhuwarara* | 11. M. Chingate | 11. Tennyson Magura | 11. Joseph Chipiro |
| 12. Mrs L. Mzinyani | 12. Lazarus Mtungwazi | 12. Dexter Sibanda | 12. Stephen Marara | 12. Phillip Munzwa |
| 13. Aaron Rusike | 13. Raymond Chikarara Nyaude Madzima | 13. Dickson Moyo | 13. Douglas Mudzi | 13. Sidney Musoni |
| 14. Miss P. Matanda | 14. Evelyn Joyce Shava* | 14. Gilbert Moyo | 14. Moses Zhanje | 14. Stephen Gumbe |
| 15. D. Chitunda | 15. Avis Chikwana | 15. Stephen Kazingizi** | 15. Nassan Nengere | 15. Samuel Mavani |
| MASHONALAND WEST PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Titus Garikayi Mukarati | 1. S. Mazibananga | 1. P. Mhlanga | 1. G. Magaramombe | |
| 2. Ronald Takawira Sadomba | 2. T. Kasvinga | 2. Mrs I. Chitate | 2. S. Nyamweda | |
| 3. Josiah Zinanga Mudzengi | 3. D. Ngondo | 3. N. Bangajena | 3. B. Nyandoro | |
| 4. Prof Stanlake John Samkange Stanlake J. W. T. Samkange Stanlake John William Thompson Samkange was a Zimbabwean historiographer, educationist, journalist, author, and African nationalist... * |
4. Patrick Tozivepi** | 4. N. Mutandiwa | 4. A. Mudenda | |
| 5. Boniface Mhariwa Gumbo* | 5. F. Musiwa | 5. S. Mariga | 5. S. Chirenda | |
| 6. James Robert Dambaza Chikerema James Chikerema James Robert Dambaza Chikerema served as the President of the Front for the Liberation of Zimbabwe. He changed his views on militant struggle in the late 1970s and supported the 'internal settlement', serving in the attempted power-sharing governments.-Early life:Chikerema was born at Kutama... * |
6. Charles Zviyambwa** | 6. Mrs R. Mombeshore | 6. S. Mangwiro | |
| MATABELELAND NORTH PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Ernest Leonard Bulle | 1. Lwazi Joel Mahlangu | 1. Phineas Sithole | 1. A. Mgutshini | |
| 2. Walter Nqabeni Mthimkhulu | 2. Peter Nkomo | 2. Zachariah Tongai Chigumira | 2. T. Madhana | |
| 3. David Murambiwa Mutasa | 3. M. Nyathi | 3. R. Zemura | 3. E. Chiwunye | |
| 4. Morgan Kugaraunzwana Machiya | 4. Brown Luza | 4. J. Ngaliwe | 4. R. Gunyela | |
| 5. Gerald Mthimkhulu | 5. Geshom Maplanka | 5. J. Ndebele | 5. T. Thebe | |
| 6. Abel Chimombe | 6. T. Ncube | 6. Mrs H. Zwambila | 6. W. Mapukanka | |
| 7. M. Tshuma | 7. Lot Enoch Dewa | 7. E. Ncube | 7. D. Mangena | |
| 8. Mrs Gladys Tiriboyi | 8. A. Mpofu | 8. G. Ncube | 8. A. Khumalo | |
| 9. P. Zumbika | 9. E. Mkandla | 9. L. Dlodlo | 9. L. Moyo | |
| 10. A. Mutasa | 10. A.M. Mpofu | 10. S. Dube | 10. S. Jubane | |
| MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Joel Madewe Sigola | 1. Zephania Bafana | 1. Abraham Mazwi Khumalo | 1. G. Dewa | |
| 2. J. Tarugarira | 2. Robert Siyoka | 2. T. Mbuya | 2. E. Maposa | |
| 3. K. Nyabadzu | 3. Timoth Ndlovu | 3. P. Mpofu | 3. H. Dube | |
| 4. I. Ngulube | 4. S. Noko | 4. C. Malikongwa | 4. J. Bango | |
| 5. P. Maphosa | 5. E. Velile | 5. R. Simbi | 5. G. Ncube | |
| MIDLANDS PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Misheck Hove | 1. Elijah Mukuchambano | 1. James Dzvova | 1. M. Malumisa | |
| 2. Lovemore Christopher Mbanga | 2. A. Gwemende | 2. Dr Edward Chitate | 2. Philip Elijah Chigogo | |
| 3. Joseph Jumo Bheka | 3. J. Dondo | 3. William Kambasha | 3. P. Chirinda | |
| 4. Lewis Bonda Gumbo | 4. S. Shama | 4. C. Mutambisi | 4. J. Maziwisa | |
| 5. John Kingston Nyahwata | 5. G. Tshuma | 5. J. Nyaguse | 5. L. Nhamo | |
| 6. Edmund Macheka | 6. K. Dube | 6. B. Magaisa | 6. A. Tafirenyika | |
| 7. John Karimanzira Kokera | 7. F. Ngulube | 7. U. Gokwe | 7. S. Hove | |
| 8. Abraham Chirwa | 8. N. Dhlamini | 8. V. Mashita | 8. S. Sibanda | |
| 9. F. Mutiti | 9. N. Ndhlovu | 9. Mrs O. Chidzongwa | 9. Chingona | |
| 10. W. Mugabiri | 10. M. Moyo | 10. J. Sithole | 10. M. Chibvute | |
| 11. S. Makura | 11. S. Mbambo | 11. L. Mambo | ||
| VICTORIA PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Francis John Zindoga | 1. Peter Munyaradzi Mandaza | 1. Leonard Nyemba | 1. E. Badza | |
| 2. Smollie Poshi Mugudubi | 2. J. Chikukwa | 2. Edward Watungwa | 2. D. Gurajena | |
| 3. Christopher Donald Sakala | 3. P. Makoni | 3. Julius Chimedza | 3. John Hungwe | |
| 4. Herbert Office Benjamin Zimuto | 4. C. Marezva | 4. S. Mangwengwe | 4. B. Mazungunye | |
| 5. David Munandi | 5. G. Dziwa | 5. V. Chikukutu | 5. H. Makoni | |
| 6. John Lewis Mashakada | 6. E. Maphosa | 6. J. Hlalsi | 6. W. Mukaganwi | |
| 7. J. Maswoswe | 7. D. Mandishora | 7. L. Shinya | 7. J. Tagwireyi | |
| 8. G. Sadomba | 8. L. Sithole | 8. A. Mashiri | 8. T. Sithole | |
| 9. J. Muchineripi | 9. Mrs J. Sibanda | 9. Mrs E. Masangu | 9. R. Mhungu | |
| 10. B. Basera | 10. D. Makotere | 10. C. Marozva | 10. J. Masvinga | |
White non-constituency members
Polling day was May 7, 1979. Eight seats were up for election.| Rank | Party | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevor Duncan Dollar | 71 |
| 2 | Derek Foxon Gawler | 63 |
| 3 | Wing-Commander Frederick Roy Simmonds | 62 |
| 4 | André Sothern Holland | 60 |
| 5 | Denys Sinclair Parkin | 58 |
| 6 | Bertram Ankers | 53 |
| 7 | Charles McKenzie Scott | 52 |
| 8 | Stanley Norman Eastwood | 46 |
| 9= | Arthur Denis Crook | 20 |
| 9= | Wing-Commander Robert James Gaunt | 20 |
| 11 | Donald Galbraith Goddard | 17 |
| 12 | Reginald Reed Beaver | 15 |
| 13 | John Cornelius Gleig | 12 |
| 14 | Air Marshall Archibald Oliver Garfield Wilson | 11 |
| 15 | Bernard Horace Mussett | 10 |
| 16 | Albertus Herman du Toit | 9 |
Changes during the Assembly
John Moses Chirimbani (UANC, Manicaland) was elected as the Speaker of the House of Assembly on May 8, 1979, and therefore an ex officio member. On May 25, John Zwenhamo Ruredzo was appointed to replace him.Robert Siyoka (UNFP, Matabeleland South) resigned, and was replaced by Sami Thomani Siyoka on June 28, 1979.
On June 25, 1979 James Chikerema led a group of eight elected UANC members in resigning from the party, and on June 29 seven of the eight formed the Zimbabwe Democratic Party. Actor Mupinyuri (UANC, Mashonaland Central) rejoined the UANC shortly after resigning from it. The seven who joined are denoted by asterisks in the lists above. A questionable wording in the electoral law led to the UANC taking legal action to disqualify the seven on the grounds that they had to keep their membership of the party in order to remain members of the Assembly, but Chikerema was successful in defending the right to break away.
Hilary Gwyn Squires
Hilary Squires
Hilary Gwyn Squires is a retired South African judge and barrister, who was brought in to preside over the Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption trial in Durban, South Africa, so as not to tie up legal proceedings elsewhere while the trial proceeded....
resigned in June 1979, moving to South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
to take up a legal career. David Colville Smith was returned unopposed as Rhodesian Front candidate for Borrowdale constituency on July 24, 1979.
Terrence Mashambanhaka (UANC, Mashonaland Central) was murdered on September 16, 1979 after being lured to an ambush at 'peace talks' with ZANLA forces. Abel Muringazuwa Madombwe was appointed to the Assembly to replace him on November 27, 1979.
Theunis Christian de Klerk (RF, Lundi) was killed in a rocket attack on his home on September 20, 1979. Donald Galbraith Goddard was returned unopposed to follow him on November 30, 1979.
United Nations reaction
The United Nations Security CouncilUnited Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
passed several resolutions against the "illegal" election, including Resolution 445
United Nations Security Council Resolution 445
United Nations Security Council Resolution 445, adopted on March 8, 1979, after recalling resolutions 253 , 403 , 411 , 423 , 424 and 437 , and hearing representations from various countries, the Council expressed its concern about the military operations undertaken by the "illegal regime" against...
and Resolution 448
United Nations Security Council Resolution 448
United Nations Security Council Resolution 448, adopted on April 30, 1979, after recalling resolutions 253 , 403 , 411 , 423 , 424 , 437 and 445 , the Council declared that the recent "sham" elections held in Southern Rhodesia by the "illegal racist regime" were illegal and the results thereof...
, both of which argued that the election was not representative of the Zimbabwean people and was designed to entrench white minority rule. In these resolutions, the UN declared the results of the election null and void.