The establishment of the first black-led government in Rhodesia was a culmination of years of struggle, negotiation, and conflict in the fight against colonial rule and white minority governance. The unification of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) under the leadership of Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) led by Joshua Nkomo represented a critical shift towards inclusion of black leaders in the political framework. This coalition was pivotal; it came after years of civil strife characterized by liberation movements meeting resistance from the white-minority government led by Ian Smith.

Negotiations had intensified in the preceding years, particularly after the 1978 landmark All Parties Conference which sought to explore a pathway to independence. The government in Rhodesia had been heavily scrutinized internationally, facing sanctions and calls for reform as pressure mounted from various global actors. The political dynamics shifted when the original agreements paved the way for inclusive governance, allowing voices of those who had been oppressed for decades to emerge.

In this newly formed government, crucial policies and frameworks aimed at addressing past injustices were introduced. It aimed to repatriate land and implement economic reforms to benefit the broader population. This was not merely a political change but a social and cultural reawakening for millions of Zimbabweans who yearned for representation. The transition signified not only an end to a long-standing political order but also the potential for reconciliation and nation-building amidst a backdrop of deep-seated tensions and conflict.