HENRY DANIEL TYAMZASHE

Now, sir, I do not wish friends to think that I have a skeleton in the cupboard, but as a matter of fact the Bantu race as a whole is at present just in a stage of transition from savagery into civilization; from heathenism into Christianity. We are now in the danger zone, and a single false step may spell disaster. Our leaders or statesmen should not be self-elected men, or men elected by a clique of political fanatics. Leaders of the people should be elected by the people, because they will have to govern the people for the people. I admit that the Bantu National Congress have almost insurmountable obstacles to clear, the foremost of which are race animosity and jealousy. It is alarming to notice how some of the best brains of the Bantu tribe succumb to this miserable curse. Combination in time of danger and necessity, so apparent and natural---even amongst the beasts of the field---is neverresorted to by the Bantu of the present age. Xosa, Zulu, Msutu, and Fingo are all pulling in opposite political directions. The Bantu house of cards thus divided against itself will tumble about their ears to scorn and merriment of enemies. Where are the Rubusana's, Soga's, Pelem's, Jabavu's, Makgatho's, Dube's, Mahabane's, Msimang's, Montsioa's, Thema's, Ngojo's, etc.,? Are they assembled at one common round table, working hand in hand to solve the political intrigues inflicted on us by fate? No!

-Henry Daniel Tyamzashe, "Bantu Politics: Letter to the Editor", Umteteli wa Bantu, April 8, 1922.