Welshman Ncube lacks character

as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them”. The majority of us chose the latter, but it is doubtful that Welshman Ncube chose the same.

He may have the ability to get to the top, but he clearly lacks the character to keep him there. In light of the perilous state of our nation, it is stupid to regard Ncube as representing the people when he speaks, not their language, but his own. Each time that he opens his mouth Ncube represents himself alone.

The advent of a society in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief remains the highest aspiration of the people of Zimbabwe. We, the suffering and oppressed people of Zimbabwe ask the painful questions: Why is Mugabe so capricious, unfair? Why does he delight in watching us squirm, why does he stamp out human beings like cigarette butts? Why do people like Ncube and Mutambara appear to be working closely with Mugabe at the expense of the people?

Mugabe’s authoritarian regime is characterized by partial or complete absence of constitutional rights and freedoms, the prohibition of democratic parties and working people’s organizations, reduction in the number of elective state organs, and the

concentration of power in the head of State. It is the psychosis of militarism that helps strengthen Mugabe’s party. He is striving to expand his social base. His growth is promoted by the strengthening of bureaucratic power, the broadening of the legal base for police repression, and the enactment of anti-worker, anti-popular legislation.

Ncube appears to be dishonest in our thinking. We all know that a man who cheats in little things could be dangerous. As a consequence, Zimbabweans value character more than they do intellect in governmental affairs. We are indeed a little distrustful of intellectual subtlety or cleverness, unless assured that character underlies it.

Morgan Tsvangirai has impressed us in this regard. He is as gentle as a feather. He, also, is a gentleman for his humble origins. There is no better man, no fairer and squarer than he for miles and miles. We positively support his pragmatic approach to our national issues, hence the sort of publicity he receives from the media.

Honesty, a firm sense of principle, candour and resolution define Tsvangirai’s personality. In Tsvangirai we see the courage (which Ncube lacks) of an intelligent, far-sighted and reasonable man, anxious to hold the ship of state to its true course. To this end, Tsvangirai has suffered beatings, jailings and other brutalities. With each bloody confrontation Tsvangirai has become stronger, not weaker. Ncube cannot make these sacrifices because of his condescending attitude.

Ncube will never make it in politics. He has reached the end of his political career and the earlier he realises this, the better.