Indians in Zimbabwe
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 9,500[1] (2016, est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Harare | |
| Languages | |
| English, Gujarati, Hindi | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Indian diaspora |
The Indian presence in what is now Zimbabwe dates back to 1890, when Indian plantation workers in South Africa crossed the border into Southern Rhodesia.[1]
Their further immigration were restricted in 1924 when the colony became a self-governing colony of the United Kingdom. The restrictions remained in force until the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980. Similar to Black Zimbabweans, Indian Zimbabweans also faced discrimination during colonial rule. Although, most stayed out of active politics, some Indian Zimbabweans discretely channeled funds to anti-colonial movements.[2] Many Indian Zimbabweans emigrated to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, as well as Australia and the United Kingdom, following the economic downturn in Zimbabwe that began in 1999.[2]
As of October 2016, an estimated 9,000 Zimbabwean citizens are of Indian origin, mostly Gujarati. Prominent Indian Zimbabweans in politics include Senator Kantibhai Patel, who served as member of the Politburo and Central Committee of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front.[3] Patel died in 2011, and was declared a national hero in 2012. Indian Zimbabweans Bharat Patel and Ahmed Ebrahim have served as justices of the Supreme Court.[1]
Around 500 Indian citizens were residents in Zimbabwe as of October 2016. Most of them are professionals working in computer software, accounting and banking.[1]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 "India Zimbabwe relations". Retrieved 2015-05-30.
- 1 2 "The last Indians of Masvingo, Zimbabwe". The World Elsewhere. 25 February 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
- ↑ Politburo member Patel dies, The Herald, 12 Sep 2011