This nation and its story have fascinated me and I find it strange that more people do not talk about it. My question regards the controversy surrounding this nation. I have heard some claims of it being a righteous hold out against communism and of it being just another apartheid, South Africa. I know the nation did have blacks serve in Rhodesian Armed Forces and yet was also under white minority rule, so I am sure the answer lies in the middle. So, what is the truth behind Rhodesia?
Ooooof, that particular place. I'm not surprised you've run into a lot of conflicting information. More information is welcome from anyone who can contribute, as no answer can ever be final and the sub really does need more Africa flairs.
I recommend that you start in the Rhodesia section of the FAQ, the domain of u/profrhodes. For the controversy specifically, there's this thread answered by u/swarthmoreburke, which also has a link to another of u/profrhodes' answers.