The following lists events that happened during 1979 in Rhodesia (to 1 June), Zimbabwe Rhodesia (from 1 June to 21 December) and Southern Rhodesia (from 21 December).
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Incumbents
- President: Josiah Zion Gumede (starting 1 June and ending 12 December)
- Prime Minister: Abel Muzorewa (starting 1 June and ending 12 December)
Events
- 12 February - Air Rhodesia Flight 827 was shot down by guerillas, killing 59.
- 1 June - Rhodesia becomes Zimbabwe Rhodesia as an interim state.
- 12 December - In line with the terms of the Lancaster House Agreement, Zimbabwe Rhodesia formally returns to colonial status as the "British Dependency of Southern Rhodesia".
Births
- 20 August — Mandy Leach, freestyle swimmer