Meaning: This quote by Ian Smith, the former Prime Minister of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), reflects his perspective on the struggle for independence in Southern Rhodesia during the 1960s and 1970s. Smith was a controversial figure, known for his staunch opposition to majority rule and his role in maintaining white minority rule in the country. His statement implies that the violence and terror during this period were perpetrated by the so-called 'freedom fighters', a term often used to describe the members of the African nationalist movements who opposed the colonial and minority rule in Rhodesia.

Smith's characterization of the freedom fighters as perpetrators of violence and terrorizing the villages is a contentious assertion, as it contradicts the narratives of many African nationalists and historians who viewed these individuals as liberation heroes fighting against colonial oppression and for the rights and freedoms of their people. It's important to note that Smith's perspective is rooted in the context of his political position and his efforts to maintain white minority rule in Rhodesia, which significantly influenced his portrayal of the liberation struggle.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Southern Rhodesia, under the leadership of Ian Smith's government, experienced a period of escalating conflict as African nationalist movements, such as the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), sought to overthrow the white minority government and achieve majority rule. The resistance against colonial rule led to a protracted and often violent struggle, with both the liberation movements and the government forces engaging in acts of violence and coercion.

Smith's reference to the so-called 'freedom fighters' being directed on what to do and who to support reflects his attempt to delegitimize the agency and autonomy of the African nationalist movements. By framing them as being controlled or manipulated by external forces, Smith sought to undermine their legitimacy and portray them as mere pawns in a larger geopolitical game. This portrayal served to justify the repressive measures taken by his government in suppressing the liberation movements and maintaining white minority rule.

The term "freedom fighters" itself carries significant ideological weight, as it is often used to describe individuals or groups engaged in a struggle for liberation and self-determination. However, the use of the term "so-called" in Smith's quote reflects his skepticism and dismissal of the legitimacy of the African nationalist movements and their cause. This reflects the deep-seated racial and political divisions that characterized the struggle for independence in Rhodesia, with conflicting narratives and interpretations of the events and actors involved.

In the broader context of decolonization and struggles for independence in Africa, the Rhodesian Bush War, as it came to be known, was a complex and multifaceted conflict with deep historical, social, and political roots. The perspectives of Ian Smith and other proponents of white minority rule must be understood within the framework of colonial history, racial dynamics, and power struggles that shaped the narrative of the liberation struggle in Rhodesia.

In conclusion, Ian Smith's quote reflects his contentious perspective on the struggle for independence in Rhodesia, framing the so-called 'freedom fighters' as perpetrators of violence and portraying them as being manipulated by external forces. Understanding the complexities and nuances of this historical period requires an examination of diverse perspectives and a critical analysis of the political, social, and historical contexts that shaped the narratives surrounding the liberation struggle in Southern Rhodesia.