Posted on 03/16/2005 5:07:45 PM PST by cyborg
Ex-Rhodesian PM Smith taken ill in South Africa
SMITH: Has become frail
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By Staff Reporter Last updated: Tue Mar 08 2005 18:14:03 FORMER Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith has been hospitalised in a South African hospital after undergoing surgery to "correct discomfort caused by hip replacements", friends said.
In a letter seeking prayers for the former colonial regime leader, the Rhodesian Services Association which is based in New Zealand said Smith who turns 86 on 9 April "is expected to return home soon".
A visitor told the New Zealand-based group that Smith's memory is "as sharp as ever".
The letter posted to Smith's friends and Rhodesian sympathisers by a Hugh Bomford added: "We trust that Mr Smith will make a full recovery.
"Should you wish to send a 'Get well' message you can either log onto the Rhodesia Was Super posting room, press the button 'Post Reply' and follow the instructions."
Smith, the first Prime Minister of colonial Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia, was born in the town of Selukwe on the 8th April 1919.
He completed his early education in Gwelo before moving on to the Rhodes University in South Africa to study for a degree in commerce.
When war broke out in Europe, putting aside his studies, he volunteered for service against Nazism, and joined the British RAF, serving with No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron.
He later returned to wage war against the black guerilla movement in a bloody battle for Zimbabwe's independence. The war culminated in Zimbabwe's independence on 18 April 1980.
Now a widower, Smith still lives on his farm in Zimbabwe. JOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMS newsdesk@newzimbabwe.com
Harare
FORMER Rhodesian Prime Minister Mr Ian Douglas Smith has been hospitalised in South Africa, The Herald learnt yesterday.
A man who answered the phone at Mr Smith's Belgravia residence yesterday confirmed that he was not feeling well and was in South Africa.
The man declined to give further details saying the paper should call later.
A worker at the house also confirmed that his boss was in South Africa when The Herald visited Mr Smith's house.
"It is true that Mr Smith, who is my boss, is in South Africa. In fact, he went there in January and he indicated that he would be returning towards the end of that month or early February but he has not yet returned," said the worker.
He said Mr Smith's son, Jean, who lives in Cape Town, South Africa, was in Zimbabwe in December and had indicated that he would be taking his father to South Africa.
"Although he was fairly fit when he left, he used to bleed from the nose sporadically and there was a time in the past when we heard that he once fell in his house," said the worker, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The worker said Mr Smith's son, Alex, who lives in the United Kingdom, flew into the country two weeks ago and proceeded to South Africa.
He said Alex returned to Zimbabwe on Monday and was staying at his Mt Pleasant house but left for the United Kingdom yesterday.
But reports from South Africa said Mr Smith, who turns 86 next month, was hospitalised after undergoing surgery to "correct discomfort caused by hip replacements".
pinging those who may be interested to know that Ian Smith may have passed on but that's unconfirmed and I severely doubt it. At his age anything is possible.
Yes it's too bad he wasn't appreciated enough. Too bad Jimmuh was prez at the time too.
forgot to ping you too
Thanks for the ping.
Seems it was just a rumor and he's fine (so says his sister) and healing well. I thought he moved to England. Had no idea he was still living in the area. Does Mugabe and Mbeki have a hands off policy? I guess so. Take care of yourself when you visit.
Let's hope your news is accurate. As to Mugabe/Mbeki, there's no mileage to be had for either of them in hassling Smithy. Politically, he is neutralised even though he'll always be a thorn in Comrade Bob's side.
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