Photographing the Liberation Struggle in Zimbabwe

After assuming power in 1980, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) has sought to control the narrative of the struggle for liberation from colonialism, to the exclusion of other players such as the Zimbabwe African People?s Union (ZAPU). This book investigates the ways in which photographs are being used within Zimbabwe, especially on social media, to challenge the prevailing narrative and reclaim the memories of the subjugated. 

The book analyses the photographs produced by Zenzo Nkobi during the struggle against colonialism. Drawing on the memories of veterans from ZAPU and its military wing the Zimbabwe People?s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA), the book shows that photographs can both act as a conduit for existing narratives, and as a tool for shaping memory narratives, and evidencing ZPRA military prowess ahead of other movements.

At a time when Zimbabwe is reassessing the legacy of liberation, this book offers a powerful multidisciplinary assessment for researchers across the fields of history, memory, political science, African studies, and media studies.

A rich, riveting and awe-inspiring account of Zenzo Nkobi?s photographic works, and how they are intertwined with memory politics and the national question.

Mphathisi Ndlovu, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe

This book is a tour de force! Well done on powerfully weaving a compelling literary tapestry to Zenzo Nkobi?s photographic archive of one of the most formidable liberation movements in Southern Africa.

Siphosami Malunga, Programs Director at Open Society Africa