The following lists events that happened during 1979 in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. 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 August 20 — Mandy Leach, freestyle swimmer See also 1978 in Rhodesia other events of 1979 1980 in Zimbabwe Years in Zimbabwe Years of the 20th century in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Zim