1919- . Rhodesian politician. He was a
founder of the Rhodesian Front 1962 and prime
minister 1964-79. In 1965 he made a
unilateral declaration of Rhodesia's
independence and, despite United Nations
sanctions, maintained his regime with
tenacity. In 1979 he was succeeded as prime
minister by Bishop Abel Muzorewa, when the
country was renamed Zimbabwe. He was
suspended from the Zimbabwe parliament in
April 1987 and resigned in May as head of the
white opposition party.