Iron Spine & Ribs

The development of the railway system in south Central Africa was a key force driving the economic development of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and to a lesser extent their neighbours. Its vision, and much of the initial funding, came from British businessman, political and imperialist, Cecil John Rhodes. A number of independent railway companies, later amalgamated as Rhodesia Railways, facilitated the mining and industrial expansion of these modern states. They were also important in the transport for goods, the mail and passengers. Later, split into separate national companies, this short, but profusely illustrated, booklet is a brief summary of the early development of the railway system. The numerous historical photographs are held in the collections of the National Railway Museum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The booklet pays tribute to some of those who were involved in the creation of the railway network of the region. It is a reminder of the vital importance of the railways, a disinherited heritage, that crisscrosses the African landscape.