Drum Magazine social history photographs, East Africa edition 856

ZAPU – New Party, Old Bosses – Nkomo Always Drew Large Crowds, but sometimes would speak individually to close supporters. Joshua Nkomo was elected interim President of ZAPU and branches were born throughout Southern Rhodesia. Nkomo immediately took off on a tour of the independent African states and overseas countries to “seek to solidify support and work to bring pressure to bear on the Southern Rhodesian government and Britain.” Telegrams pledging support for the new party began pouring in. The Southern Rhodesia National Democratic Party was banned on a Saturday morning in December last year. Within eight days, on Sunday, December 17, the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) was born! “Long live ZAPU!” cried ex-NDP followers in the African Townships.