The Struggle for Independence in Colonial Zimbabwe 1900-1980: Welfare Associations

Black workers in Gwelo

• Africans also protested through welfare associations
• The welfare associations were set up to help those in need
• They looked non-political on the surface but deep down they had political roots
• An example is the Gwelo Native Welfare Association which was led by C Gwebu and Afred Maliwa Zigode
• The welfare association dwelt on issues affecting residents of Gwelo and the Midlands towns
• They organized protests against discriminatory racial policies such as passes, unfair land distribution laws and low wages
• The associations also worked with groups fighting for African land rights such as the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society

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