The Representation of the Rhodesian Security Forces in the Propaganda of ZANU and ZAPU, 1965–1980

Abstract

This article considers in detail the ways in which ZANU and ZAPU sought to present the Rhodesian Security Forces in their propaganda during the UDI period. The Rhodesian Bush War was fought as much in the arena of public opinion as it was on the battlefield, a fact not lost on the guerrilla forces, who sought to delegitimize the RSF in a variety of ways. It argues that ZANU and ZAPU had to balance a range of factors when depicting the RSF, and used propaganda for multiple ends during the conflict.