Morgan Tsvangirai

[PeggySioux]

I am quite ashamed of how little I understand about the current political situation in Zimbabwe.

Are people saying that Morgan Tsvangirai is likely to be good for Zimbabwe?

put it this way..........he can't be any worse.......

He has steadfastly put himself at great risk in an attempt to mount a democratic challenge to the Mugabe government
Profile of Tsvangirai
The photo of him is how he looked after a severe assault from Mugabe's forces
He is a very brave man IMO

I know that he's brave - had the same conversation with dp last night - but just look at his face. Do you trust it?

Zimbabweans are suffering the world's highest inflation of more than 100,000%, food and fuel shortages, and life expectancy of 35 years.

I notice that Mugabe got to 84 though.

totally agree with marina, this man has shown great courage in a country where there's been no democracy or respect for human rights

How do you mean Scarlet?

He has really put himself on the line, had really been in grave danger. He might not be Brad Pitt but listening to him, he seems genuine.

admittedly he's not the "prettiest" man alive......but I'm sure there are been some excellent world leaders over the years who also lacked any good looks......

His party, the Movement for Democatic change, comes from the Union movement. They just want a fair deal for the people of Zimbabwe.

Telegraph has good article on what Zim needs noww

Also had an article saying that Tsvangirai too inexperienced and party riven by factions (although obv. a very courageous man) but i can't find it online.

Rate of inflation such that the amount that would have bought you a house ten years ago now buys you a Pepsi.

Unemployment at 80%.

It defies belief how Mugabe has fucked the whole place up beyond repair.

Winston Churchill looked like a spud and did all right

I see that Morgan Tsvangirai has some dubious incidents in his career, but I think it's quite an achievement he's still alive tbh

I saw him on the news today casting his vote on Sat and he did look a bit unsmiley and grim - but then he would, wouldn't he? marina, I remember seeing that pic of him after being beaten, I'm amazed they let him survive and go on but he certainly is a strong man.

If Mugabe goes it must be better for the country!

I don't think it is beyond repair........they're a resilient lot and adadt to change (in recent years negative, but in the past late 80's until late 90's positive). 10yrs when I was out there everyone drove clapped out Mazadas and other ancient Japanese cars........last time (probably the last time I'll be there?? ) they were all driving clapped out 4x4's as the roads had got so bad.

I think anyone who gets to this level in politics, particularly in such a dangerous political environment, is going to have a few dubious incidents in their past (look at Mandela). Having said that, I know nothing about Tsvangirai's ability as a leader. BUT if he comes to power and Mugabe is ousted, the level of goodwill, aid and general support will at least begin to get Zim back on track surely.

Mugabe's thugs once tried to thorw him out of a 4th floor window.

I don't mean he's ugly (though I suppose he is) I just don't trust him. At all. He has an untrustworthy face. My gut instinct is that he will be corrupt, though I agree that much needed money will flood into Zim once Mugabe is out.

Had the same gut feeling about Tony Blaire but still voted for him.

Agree with Franke - we just have to wait and see how he performs as a leader (if he does - I have my doubts). It will however open Zim up again and help towards getting things back on track in a more positive way.

sadly, I think that where Africa is concerned it's always an unknown quantity.

When Mugabi came to power all talk was positive, and for 20 years it was positive. It's only in the past 8 years that things have gone so drastically wrong.

There's a lot of talk that things in South Africa are headed in the same direction, and there are huge fears about what will happen after the death of Nelson Mandela.

Now Mandela, THERE'S a face you can trust.

You can't beleive that a man as noble as Mandela exists really can you?

I was at a conference a few years ago and this woman (in the link below) spoke about life there. She had been beaten and raped by boarder guards because she was trying to bring tampons into the country.

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article714091.ece

Women cannot afford basic sanitary towels or tampons, even if they wasn't in short supply and the govt are disinterested or find it amusing that women are so degraded. She also said women are getting womb infections because they are using other things as tampons, like old newspapers and rags.

I'm not sure what the solution is for Zimbabwe, but it certainly isn't Mugabe and the only current alternative is Tsvangirai, who is a very brave man.

ffs scarlet, do you believe in phrenology as well?

When Mugabe came to power 28 years ago, as I vaguely remember it, Zimbabwe was one of the best and most vibrant economies in the world. It took a while for him to mess it up, and then he just continued to mess it up until it got to the point where nothing could help and it just went mental. 8 years ago it was already too late. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Yes - when he came into power Zimbabwe was the bread basket of Africa. Strong economy, woderful place for everyone to live, go to school and work. Now it is on the top of the list of the worst place to live in the world. What a shame.