Welensky, Roy

Roland Welensky

The Rhodesian national heavyweight champion in the 1920s, Welensky was a fireman and engine driver during his boxing career before entering politics in 1938. By the early 1950s, he was head of the United Federal Party, which was dedicated to a "racial partnership" between the British and Africans. Knighted in 1953, Sir Roy also helped establish the Central African Federation that year; the federation consisted of British colonies, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and Nyasaland (Malawi). In 1956, Welensky became the Prime Minister and held the position until 1963, when the Federation was dissolved. That year, Africans got their wish of independence despite Welensky's complete dedication to the concept of the Federation. He retired from politics the following year.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1907 - d. 1991

Career Highlights:
A heavyweight in the 1920s, Welensky was Rhodesia's National champion from 1926-1928.

Origin:
Salisbury, Rhodesia

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