Izibongo Ngonidzashe

Izibongo Ngonidzashe
File:IzibongoNgonidzashe75.jpg
Mambo of Rwizikuru
Reign	1 June, 1968 - 21 September, 1979
Predecessor	himself as President
Successor	Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe
Chairman of the National Salvation Council
Reign	18 January, 1964 - 1 June, 1968
Predecessor	Pierre-Ardachir Niyonzima (as President)
Successor	himself as Mambo
Vice-President	Fred Ngonidzashe
Born	(1921-04-28)28 April 1921 Vongai, Riziland (present-day Rwizikuru)
Died	21 September 1979(1979-09-21) (aged 58) Crogan, Rwizikuru
Spouse	Anatswanashe Ngonidzashe
Issue	10+ children, including Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe
Full name Nathaniel Izibongo Ngonidzashe
House	House of Ngonidzashe
Father	Munonzwa Ngonidzashe
Mother	Kugarakunzwana Ngonidzashe
Religion	High Estmerish Church
Occupation	General, politician

Izibongo Ngonidzashe (28 April, 1921 - 21 September, 1979) was a politician and military official, serving as general, as the Chairman of the National Salvation Council after a 1964 coup that overthrew Pierre-Ardachir Niyonzima, and the first Mambo of Rwizikuru, ascending the throne in 1968, and reigning until his death in 1979. Having been in power for 15 years, 8 months, and 3 days, he was the longest reigning leader of an independent Rwizikuru until his son and successor, Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe surpassed his record on 25 May, 1995 as the longest reigning leader of Rwizikuru.

Early life

Izibongo Ngonidzashe was born on 28 April, 1921, as the second child and eldest son of Munonzwa Ngonidzashe and Kugarakunzwana Ngonidzashe in the town of Vongai in Manathea Province. His father was the youngest son of Mutupo Ngonidzashe, who was the main ruler of the area around present-day Vongai in the late nineteenth century, whose ancestors held control of the area since roughly the 1700s.

His family moved to Port Fitzhubert in 1923, as his father sought to give his children a good education. Thus, in 1926, Izibongo Ngonidzashe entered the Charles Fitzhubert School, where he was described as an excellent student by his teachers, and he was noted for his propensity to go into the library to study military history for hours at a time. However, the outbreak of the Great War and the subsequent Gaullican occupation would affect Izibongo's worldview, with Izibongo taking a stronger interest in military strategies, as well as politics.

In 1932, he finished his elementary studies, and took the exams to get into the James Parlow Grammar School (present-day Shungudzemwoyo Nhema Grammar School). After passing them, he began his schooling at the James Parlow Grammar School, where they noted his "knowledge of most things," and his charisma, with one teacher noting that Izibongo Ngonidzashe "could easily be to Bahia what Sigmund Auerswald was to Euclea."

Military career

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Official portrait of Izibongo Ngonidzashe, 1961

After finishing sixth form in 1939, Izibongo Ngonidzashe would enlist in the colonial militia. Originally an enlisted soldier within the infantry, because of Izibongo Ngonidzashe's intelligence and interest in military strategies, Izibongo Ngonidzashe would be sent for further training at National Military Academy in Estmere, where he was the only non-Freemen in the class.

After completing officer training in 1943, Izibongo Ngonidzashe would return back to Riziland as a Lieutenant, where Izibongo Ngonidzashe would be one of the first Bahian officers in the militia. By that point, the Colony of Riziland was preparing for independence, due to Estmere's financial woes in the post-Great War period, leading to Izibongo Ngonidzashe being a valuable asset in Estmere's plans to maintain influence over Riziland post-independence. Thus, on the eve of independence, Izibongo Ngonidzashe has risen to the rank of Major. In 1946, with Riziland gaining independence as Rwizikuru, Izibongo Ngonidzashe would be promoted to Colonel. During this period, Izibongo Ngonidzashe would also serve as a military instructor at the newly established Port Fitzhubert Military Academy in Port Fitzhubert.

With the election of Vudzijena Nhema as President of Rwizikuru, succeeding pro-Estmerish Zophar Bohannon in 1954, Izibongo Ngonidzashe's position would rise significantly, as Nhema sought to nativize the military: by 1957, at only the age of 36, Izibongo Ngonidzashe had risen to the rank of General, and in 1961 would become the Chief of Staff to the President. At around this point in time, Izibongo Ngonidzashe became increasingly critical of the Rwizikuran government, particularly over its decision to join the United Bahian Republic, which he believed "needlessly endangered Rwizikuran national security."

By 1963, with Yemet joining the United Bahian Republic, and with Maucha coveting lands within Rwizikuru, Izibongo Ngonidzashe became concerned that the United Bahian Republic would "vastly undermine Rwizikuran independence and sovereignty." At this point in time, growing opposition in both Yekumavirira and in East Riziland against Vudzijena Nhema's economic policies, combined with Nhema's abuse of power led to the Rwizikuran Army planning a military coup against his government.

Coup d'etats and early leadership

Civilian portrait of Izibongo Ngonidzashe, 1967

On 3 November, 1963, while Vudzijena Nhema was attending an AESE conference, the Rwizikuran military successfully overthrew the government, with Izibongo Ngonidzashe seizing control of the national radio station to announce that Nhema was deposed for "hindering the country's development" and threatened his arrest and trial "should he ever step foot on Rwizi soil."

Nhema's vice-president, Pierre-Ardachir Niyonzima was installed as President, pursuant to the Rwizikuran constitution. However, in practice, Izibongo Ngonidzashe and the military held the real power, with Niyonzima being told by Ngonidzashe upon becoming President that "if you don't obey us, you will meet the same fate as Nhema."

Initially, President Niyonzima seemed willing to follow the military's directives, and reverted much of Nhema's economic policy. However, on 17 January, 1964, when he refused an order from Izibongo Ngonidzashe to "withdraw immediately from the United Bahian Republic," Niyonzima was summoned to Izibongo Ngonidzashe's residence, where he was believed to have been killed in a second coup d'etat.

On 18 January, 1964, the military declared that Niyonzima resigned, and that "due to the security situation in Rwizikuru, a National Salvation Council is to govern the country to bring back stability and economic growth to the Republic," shortly after Izibongo offered the Presidency to Zophar Bohannon, who turned down the offer.

The National Salvation Council was made up of five figures, of which the initial five were Increase Barnard, Promise Kabweza, Chamunorwa Mnkandla, Izibongo Ngonidzashe, and Nehemiah Taylor. However, Izibongo Ngonidzashe was appointed Chairman of the National Salvation Council, due to Izibongo Ngonidzashe's "charisma on radio" and his ability to communicate effectively with the Rwizikuran population.

As Chairman of the National Salvation Council, Izibongo Ngonidzashe had a free hand to reverse most of Vudzijena Nhema's economic and social policies, seeking to reorient Rwizikuru's economy towards Euclea and restore Bohannon's "sensible economic policies," while cracking down on academic freedom and student protests at the University of Rwizikuru. However, one issue that always held his attention was the situation in Yekumavirira, where the Irfani majority were critical of continued Rwizikuran rule over the area. This led to Izibongo Ngonidzashe cracking down on minority groups, with Kirobyi being banned from public use in 1965, as well as targetting Irfan, declaring in 1966 that only three mazars would remain open: one in Sainte-Germaine, one in Port Fitzhubert, and one in Port Vaugeois. These policies culminated in the Port Vaugeois massacre, which killed 22 people, and led to the declaration of an armed struggle by the Yekumavirira Liberation Movement who fought against the Rwizikuran government.

By 1967, Izibongo Ngonidzashe had replaced almost all of the National Salvation Council with his own supporters, and he began making plans to create a monarchy. These were opposed by Promise Kabweza, who feared that it would destabilize Rwizikuru too much, and would be a "violation of [Izibongo's] own promise when he overthrew Niyonzima." It culminated in an attempted coup the following year, led by Promise Kabweza, but Izibongo Ngonidzashe's loyalists were able to quell the coup.

By March 1968, Izibongo Ngonidzashe began making plans to create an absolute monarchy, convinced that republicanism was "not feasible for societies like Rwizikuru, who need the rule of a strong king to bind the nation together."

Monarch

Coronation and wars

Garamburan forces entering Ntawha after the Battle of Ntawha, 1969

On 1 June, 1968, Izibongo Ngonidzashe held a coronation ceremony. On the advice of TBD, it was held in the citadel at Old Munzwa, with "every chief and prince across the land" invited to pay homage to the new King in a traditional Rwizi ceremony. Most chiefs attended, but many chiefs from Yekumavirira refused to pay homage, in protest of Izibongo's policies.

Following his coronation, he declared that he would rule as an absolute monarch, but vowed to maintain "strong relations with Estmere." At first, Izibongo Ngonidzashe's reign was marked by a continuation of his pro-Estmerish economic policy, but with the outbreak of the Mabifian-Rwizikuran War on 6 October, 1968 over Yekumavirira, Izibongo Ngonidzashe was forced to pay full attention to the war. Despite initial success at beating back the Mabifian forces, with Estmerish support, the Mabifians would begin making inroads by December 1968, and following the defeat in the Battle of Port Vaugeois on 16 March, 1969, the Rwizikuran government was forced to sign the Treaty of Snarksburgh to end the war, which led to much of Rwizikuru's Irfanic population moving towards Mabifia.

At the same time as the Battle of Port Vaugeois, the Rwizikuran military faced a war of independence against Rwizikuru in East Riziland. With widespread support for the cause, even by Estmere, combined with the Rwizikuran military being "substantially demoralised" due to their defeat, by the end of April, East Riziland would gain its independence as Garambura, although Izibongo Ngonidzashe sought to reincorporate Garambura into Rwizikuru.

With the loss of virtually all of Yekumavirira and all of East Riziland, Izibongo Ngonidzashe felt "deeply betrayed by Estmere and by other Euclean states," which led to Izibongo Ngonidzashe taking a more anti-imperialist approach "to go after those who he felt wronged him and his country." This led to Izibongo Ngonidzashe instituting policies to reduce foreign investment from 1970 onward, with Izibongo Ngonidzashe saying in 1972 that Garambura "only gained independence as a result of colonial meddling," and that the only way Rwizikuru could stand on its own was to "institute policies to make a pure Bahian state." By 1973, he targetted "colonial elites," seizing land and businesses who were owned by the Murungu, Murungu, and Mirite communities, with the Mirites in particular being "expelled from the country." This resulted in economic decline, made worse by Izibongo Ngonidzashe becoming more isolationist.

Nativity War and later reign

By 1974, Izibongo Ngonidzashe began making "grand pronouncements" of creating a "new Rwizi Empire." This would culminate on 25 December, 1974, when together with Maucha, the Royal Rwizikuran Armed Forces invaded Garambura, with Ngonidzashe seeking to retake at least some of former East Riziland back.

However, on the Rwizikuran front, the Royal Rwizikuran Front was met with a stalemate along the Maghedi corridor, as Garamburan forces were able to effectively hinder advances through it, while advancing through the Mabvazuva Mountains was impossible due to the geography of the region. Thus, after a nearly two year-long campaign, Izibongo Ngonidzashe was forced to accept a CN-mediated peace which exchanged some border towns between Rwizikuru and Garambura. Despite Rwizikuru losing the Nativity War, Izibongo Ngonidzashe continued to desire to rebuild the Rwizi Empire, and supported Kulo separatists in Yemet with the aim of having them separate from Yemet so that he could conquer them and "surround East Riziland."

In the aftermath of the war, Izibongo Ngonidzashe oversaw the construction of the planned capital, Guta raMambo, to replace Port Fitzhubert as the capital, as Izibongo Ngonidzashe saw Port Fitzhubert's position, both on the coast of the Maccan Sea, and on the main motorway, as a threat, as in case of war, Port Fitzhubert could easily fall, while Guta raMambo's inland position and lack of quality roads would render the city safe in case of war. By 1978, the Imba yoRudzi was completed, enabling Izibongo Ngonidzashe to move the capital from Port Fitzhubert to Guta raMambo.

By the late 1970s, Izibongo Ngonidzashe's authoritarian nature and isolationist policies have strained his position internationally, while domestically, Izibongo Ngonidzashe's paranoia began to alienate his erstwhile allies, who saw Izibongo Ngonidzashe as an obstacle to Rwizikuru's economic development.

Death

On the 21st of September, 1979, after visiting the Saunders farm outside of Crogan in the Midlands Province, Izibongo Ngonidzashe was heading back to Crogan in a royal motorcade, to attend a banquet held in his honor by the white community in Crogan, when the car he was in experienced a broadside collision as they were entering the outskirts of town. The driver was immediately arrested by his bodyguards, while Izibongo was rushed in another car to the local hospital.

By the time Izibongo Ngonidzashe arrived, he was in a critical condition. Despite the doctors' best efforts at treating him, he was declared dead at 4:58 pm. The news was immediately communicated to the crown prince, Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe, who was in Guta raMambo at the time.

With the rest of the royal family informed, Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe informed the Rwizikuran Information Service to immediately broadcast the news of Izibongo's death: thus, at 5:50 pm, the news was broadcast over radio from the flag station at Port Fitzhubert. The broadcast was repeated, as all other stations cut to the flag station's coverage.

The following day, The Rwizikuran published a front-page obituary to the deceased King, and hailed Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe as the new Mambo of Rwizikuru.

His body was transported by plane to Port Fitzhubert, as the church in Guta raMambo was not completed, where he laid in state at the old palace in Port Fitzhubert. On 1st October, a funeral service was held at Saint David's Church in High Estmerish rites. His body was subsequently flown back to Guta raMambo, where he was interred at the royal cemetery.

The driver, Walter Sutton, a Murungu farmer, was tried in December 1979, and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for vehicular manslaughter. However, Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe pardoned Walter Sutton in May 1980, with Sutton continuing to live in Rwizikuru until his death in 2015 a week prior to his 78th birthday.

There have been allegations by some senior royals in the past that Walter Sutton was an Estmerish spy, both due to the farmer's background as the son of Estmerish immigrants, and to Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe's decision to pardon the driver in May 1980, but the rumours have been denied by both Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe, and the Estmerish government.

Legacy

A profile of him on a Rwizikuran shilling banknote, c. 1980

Izibongo Ngonidzashe's legacy has generally been negative, especially among foreigners. Supporters, such as Rupenyu Chikerema, professor at the University of Rwizikuru, and sociologist Watinoda Kumbula have praised Izibongo's achievements in developing a "non-colonial society," with his appeal to Rwizi traditions, culture, and nationalism, as well as his commitment to not accepting any form of foreign aid.

However, opponents, such as Muchazvireva Ngonidzashe, leader of the Rwizikuru government-in-exile in Caldia, and professor (TBD) of (TBD university) have criticized his authoritarian nature, his willingness to oppress minorities, both ethnic (in the case of the Mirites) and religious (in the case of the Irfanic population), and the fact that he had stymied development out of fear that foreign countries would exploit Rwizikuru's wealth. Many opponents in Bahia also noted that his rule "crippled the United Bahian Republic" after withdrawing Rwizikuru from the organisation, leading to the United Bahian Republic's collapse when Yemet and Maucha fought the Ibabochian War.

While it is impossible to determine accurate statistics on his approval rating, due to Rwizikuru's lèse-majesté laws, many in Rwizikuru have appreciated him for his efforts at creating a "traditional Bahian monarchy." In addition, many places in Rwizikuru are named after him, such as the King Izibongo School in Guta raMambo, and the Izibongo Memorial Hospital in Crogan, where he died, and was renamed posthumously.

Personal life

In 1939, Izibongo Ngonidzashe met his future wife, 18 year old Anatswanashe Nhema, daughter of Shungudzemwoyo Nhema, when his uncle introduced him to her father, fellow nationalist Shungudzemwoyo Nhema. After having fallen in love, they got married in 1940.

He was the father of five sons with Anatswanshe Ngonidzashe: Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe, who was born in 1942, Simbarashe Ngonidzashe who was born in 1944, and died in 1996, Tashongedzwa Ngonidzashe, who was born in 1947, Shungudzemwoyo Ngonidzashe, who was born in 1950 and died in 1959 of malaria, and Taropafadzwa Ngonidzashe, who was born in 1954.

In addition, he had five daughters with Anatswanshe Ngonidzashe: Farisai Chimutengwende, born in 1941 and died in 2005, Chiratidzo Towungana, who was born in 1944 as a twin sibling of Simbarashe, Tinotendaisheanesu Mnkandla, who was born in 1952, Nyemwererai Mtawarira, who was born in 1956, and died in 2011, and the youngest daughter, Isheanopa Ngonidzashe, who was born in 1958.

However, from the early 1970s onward, he exercised the droit de cuissage. By the time of his death in 1979, he had at least three illegitimate children of various women between 1971 and 1979, with some sources claiming that he had as many as 70 illegitimate children in that time span.

He was a member of the Embrian Communion, and was known to be extraordinarily devout, with a priest in Port Fitzhubert saying that Izibongo was "an extraordinary member of the church: he made sure to attend every service, and sought to expound these principles in everyone."

He was fluent in Rwizi, Estmerish, and Gaullican, and could carry a basic conversation in the Kirobyi language.

Titles and honors

• 28 April, 1921 - 2 December, 1954 - Izibongo Ngonidzashe
• 2 December, 1954 - 2 December, 1964 - His Excellency Izibongo Ngonidzashe, President of the Republic of Rwizikuru
• 2 December, 1964 - 21 September, 1979 - His Most Faithful Majesty Izibongo Ngonidzashe
• Full regnal title - His Most Faithful Majesty Ngonidzashe II, by the Grace of God, and by the will of the Rwizikuran people through the MR's heroic efforts against the colonizer, Mambo and N'anga of the Rwizikuran nation and of the Rwizi people

Domestic honors

• - Sovereign of the Nation, 1968
• - Commander of the Order of the Elephant, 1968
• - Order of Merit, 1950
• - Mabifian-Rwizikuran War Medal, 1969