Political organization founded by Joshua Nkomo in 1961 and banned in 1962 by the Rhodesian government. It engaged in a guerrilla war in alliance with ZANU against the Rhodesian regime until late 1979. In the 1980 elections ZAPU was defeated and was then persecuted by the ruling ZANU Patriotic Front party. In 1987 the two parties merged.
The stars symbolize hope and equality between the ten parishes. Green reflects the island's lush vegetation. The red disc has socialist connotations. Effective date: 3 November 1990.