Zimbabwean writer who was a determined opponent of the racist policies of Ian Smith’s Rhodesian Front governmentThe Zimbabwean political activist and writer Diana Mitchell,who has died aged 83, was an active opponent of Ian Smith in the 1960s and 70s, or later used her political skills in an equally determined critique of Robert Mugabe’s regime in the 90s. A suburban housewife and teacher,she had a flair for grasping media attention and an extraordinary ability to create wide-ranging networks and political relationships that were a source of inspiration for liberals and nationalist fighters alike.
Mitchell made a name for herself as a liberal campaigner in the 60s, regularly writing letters to the state-controlled Rhodesia Herald newspaper criticising the racist policies of Smiths Rhodesian Front (RF) government. Her first tangible political engagement began in 1966 when the Forest nursery school in Salisbury (now Harare) for the children of black domestic servants was bulldozed by the government. What began as a campaign to save one school led Mitchell to set up a national drive for better education of black children.
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Source: theguardian.com