United Airlines has sparked outrage after referring to Zimbabwe as “Rhodesia”, a name that was abandoned 45 years ago when the country gained independence. Former Zimbabwean legislator and opposition activist Fadzayi Mahere called out the airline on social media, stating that using the outdated name is “hugely offensive and unacceptably ignorant”. Many Zimbabweans and Africans have joined Mahere in condemning the airline, expressing frustration that the name “Rhodesia” is still being used in official records.
The incident has sparked a heated debate, with some expressing nostalgia for the colonial era. However, most people have been quick to dismiss such comments, pointing out that they ignore the reality of colonial rule and its impact on the majority population. As one user noted, “Rhodesia perished a long time ago… They need a history lesson”. The airline has yet to respond to the controversy, but many are demanding an official apology and an explanation for how the outdated name remains in use.
The use of the name “Rhodesia” is a sensitive topic, as it evokes memories of colonialism and white minority rule. Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, and the name “Rhodesia” was officially abandoned. The country’s history is complex, with the name “Rhodesia” being used from 1964 to 1979, and “Zimbabwe Rhodesia” being used briefly in 1979 before the country became the Republic of Zimbabwe in 1980.
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