Abstract
M.A.
The significant part in this study is the fact that no recent attempts have been made
to research and analyse specifically the role of the PF. What has been attempted up
to now is the gathering and representation analysis of available information on the
independence of Zimbabwe. Thus this study, on the other hand, attempts to present
the major threads of the debates by presenting and correlating the more significant
arguments found in the widespread literature. This has entailed some significant
selecting of material to keep chapters within reasonable limits
Books used in this study provided useful and valuable information though not
dealing specifically with the role of the PF. They provided information that covers
other role players like the USA, Britain and the Frontline States. However,
throughout the literary study information specific to the topic was available and
provided the linkage of the PF's role in the independence of Zimbabwe. The
problems faced in the course of the research of this topic were that no books dealt
specifically with the role of the PF and that there are few books available that deal
with the topic. Other sources used in this topic were articles, newspapers and
documents but they give tentative useful information and brought forth a variety of
interpretations. They are very brief and composed of speeches and mostly reports
on what had happened and fall short of giving detailed information. The problem
encountered was that they too, don't deal specifically with the PF but provide
information from which the researcher would select only what suited the topic.
Because this work is a mini dissertation very little primary source material has been
used. The focus has mainly been on secondary sources. This includes among
others, books, articles, newspapers and research bulletins such as Africa
Contemporary Record.