Are psudonyms a sign of cowardice?

The use of false names have been used for a long time.Writers have published under false names for many reasons.During the Rhodesian war use of false names was prevalent especially among ZANLAand ZIPRA guerrillas and also among the regular Rhodesian army operatives.Names like Peter Ghost,Rovamushe,Kutamura Makaza,Soza Chimurenga,Trust Chimurenga,Kingstone Zviregeyi,Gwinyai chamatanda (a cruel sadist if you ask me) and many others come to mind.Mabhunu Muchapera and comrade Masango were quite common names.

Yet you have real heroes like Tongogara who were still known as Josiah Tongogara,other high profile heroes like Jason Yiyapapa Moyo,Nikita Mangena,Dumiso Dabengwa were also known by their names though they also had nom de guerre.There were regular Rhodesian army operatives who were known by their self given or somehow acquired false names.To mind comes names like the mystical white soldier called Makaranga,the home burning cruel like Mbudziyadhura,Sikhathi yenaphelile,Dumukwa,Valamuva,The Gun and the like.There were prominent soldiers like Teurayi ropa who we only came to know as Joyce long after the war.It was only recently that i discovered she was actually born Runaida Mugari.Joyce is probably another self given name.Even her husband Rex Nhongo was better known as Rex than as Solomon Tapfumanei mujuru.

The trend has spread to Zimbabwe's modern writers and diaspora residence.One self made Mugabe mouth piece calls himself Nathaniel Manheru.People have worked out from his style and some slip ups that it must be George Charamba.Why can he not face writing as George Charamba?That has sparked some opposite called Nathaniel Masikati.Regular on comments in the online newspapers are John Motsi (that might be or might not be a real name),Njayothuvi,Yimi,Abel.On another news site are people like Parks Papindanyoka ,commrade Zvazvaita,Popiro,Simbimbino and mkoma Pedzi.

From their arguments and at times their claims these are well educated people.Some claiming to have PhD and some too showing very educated logic in the points.The question is why would they hide behind false names?I have some funny Fb friends with false names but I suppose those are more like humour than any fear.I am aware of one maiMabelts who I believe is mai Mabhande.I am aware of others I suppose I know them somehow I just quickly know what their real names are .Would I use a pseudonym?No not anymore.Have I used one?Yes I have and that was immature cowardice.