Ex-Rhodesian PM Smith taken ill in South Africa

Ex-Rhodesian PM Smith taken ill in South Africa

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By Staff Reporter

FORMER Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith has been hospitalised in a South African hospital after undergoing surgery to "correct discomfort caused by hip replacements", friends said.

In a letter seeking prayers for the former colonial regime leader, the Rhodesian Services Association which is based in New Zealand said Smith who turns 86 on 9 April "is expected to return home soon".

A visitor told the New Zealand-based group that Smith's memory is "as sharp as ever".

The letter posted to Smith's friends and Rhodesian sympathisers by a Hugh Bomford added: "We trust that Mr Smith will make a full recovery.

"Should you wish to send a 'Get well' message you can either log onto the Rhodesia Was Super posting room, press the button 'Post Reply' and follow the instructions."

Smith was Prime Minister of colonial Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia, between 1965 and 1979. He was born in the town of Selukwe on 8 April 1919.

He completed his early education in Gwelo before moving on to the Rhodes University in South Africa to study for a degree in commerce.

When war broke out in Europe, putting aside his studies, he volunteered for service against Nazism, and joined the British RAF, serving with No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron.

He later returned to wage war against the black guerilla movement in a bloody battle for Zimbabwe's independence. The war culminated in Zimbabwe's independence on 18 April 1980.

Now a widower, Smith still lives on his farm in Zimbabwe.
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