| | An examination of the existing configuration of class forces in Zimbabwe is necessary to assess the chances of various developmental strategies. What distinguishes Zimbabwe among African countries is the size of its settler community and the degree of diversification and entrenchment of settler capital. Moreover, this community enjoyed substantial scope for political participation. While the metropolitan power retained its formal capacity to influence and set broad limits for policy, government was essentially in the hands of settlers from the early twenties. The transition to majority rule in Zimbabwe thus involves issues and problems of a different order from elsewhere. It cannot, for instance be assumed that the typical dimensions and forms of neo-colonialism will necessarily apply. |
