Ian Douglas Smith

Early years	World War 2	Early Career	Later Career	Private Life

Ian Smith a Racist? - An excellent article by Graham Davis of 'The Australian'

Smith at first was consulted by the new black leader, but the relationship broke down when Smith criticised Mugabe's plans for a one-party state. His continued presence in the new black-dominated parliament was assured by a clause in the British-brokered constitution that provided a set number of seats for white MPs, which were abolished in 1987.

He continued openly to denounce Mugabe as a dictator, despite threats by the president to have him tried for genocide and have his head chopped off. Smith was left alone and quietly slipped out of his public profile.

He managed to continue running much his farm, Gwenoro, which he bought in 1948, during Mugabe's mass illegal land seizures that started in 2000.

By 2005, ill-health had forced him to move to Cape Town, South Africa, where his two surviving step-children, Jean and Robert, were able to care for him until his death.

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