S. RHODESIA POLICY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30026, 10 January 1963, Page 7

S. RHODESIA POLICY

Paternalism At An End (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) SALISBURY, Jan. 8. The new Southern Rhodesian Government of Mr Winston Field will abandon traditional white “paternalism” towards the African, according to the Minister of Local Government, Mr Jack Howman. Mr Howman told a press conference in Salisbury yesterday: “Paternalism is finished as far as we are concerned. The African must be encouraged to take the initiative and help himself.” He announced a £500,000 "self-help” urban housing project for 5000 African families, to be financed from a British Government loan. “In this housing scheme, and others to follow, the African will be given free rein to build any kind of house he wants—even a round mud hut, if that is what he chooses,” Mr Howman said. Asked whether there would be minimum requirements such as showers or other washing facilities, Mr Howman said: "No—if the African wants a shower or a bath he can have it—that’s his affair.” Mr Howman said It would be the responsibility of Africans to provide churches, schools, playing fields, shops, and other amenities. They must take toe initiative. "We shall, of course, give them every encouragement.” Asked whether toe Government had faced the poesibility of such a scheme producing slums, Mr Howman said: "That’s a risk we shall have to take.” He said it was all “new and exciting, and we don't know what will happen when Africans are given toe initiative in a scheme like this.” It had never been tried before.