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Kuda Bwititi in Chipinge
ZANU PF’s election campaign launch in Chipinge yesterday was a symbolic honour to the late national hero and ZANU founding president, Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, the people of Chipinge have said.
Rev Sithole, who hailed from Chipinge, died in 2000 and was last year declared national hero posthumously by President Mnangagwa in honour of his legacy.
In interviews on the sidelines of the launch event here, locals thanked President Mnangagwa for remembering Rev Sithole.
Mrs Moreblessing Marwanyika Sigauke said in honouring Rev Sithole, President Mnangagwa had proved that he is an astute leader.
“There was a time when most people in this area did not like ZANU PF because we strongly felt that our hero, Cde Sithole, was not getting the honour that he deserved,” she said.
“Everyone knows the role that Cde Sithole played in the liberation struggle, but the previous administration deliberately tried to downplay his significance.
“As you can see, the people of Chipinge are overjoyed because our hero has been put in his rightful place.
“To launch the election campaign in Chipinge is a big honour to the man who was the first president of ZANU.
“Nothing could have been more fitting. I am going to unapologetically vote for ZANU PF in this year’s elections because of the wise decision that President Mnangagwa made.”
Another Chipinge resident, Mrs Lindiwe Tayanikwa, said: “We never thought that we would be remembered as the people of Chipinge.
“This is a great honour to Cde Sithole.
“We have never been this happy as the Ndau people. I can’t wait for the election day to come so that I vote for President Mnangagwa and my ZANU PF MP and councillor.
“Because of this launch, Chipinge will never be the same again.
“We have already seen good development in our area under President Mnangagwa.
“Our school now has Wi-Fi, the roads have been improved.
“Most importantly, our hero Rev Sithole has been honoured.
“We could not have wished for more.”
Sisters, Tariro (12) and Esnath (8) Mhlanga, paid tribute to Rev Sithole through poems that drew huge applause from the crowd during the event.
“Rev Sithole has six children, Dingindlela, Sikhululekile, Zibonele, Sifiso, Siphikelelo and Mpilwenhle and all their names in their order spoke of his wish to free Zimbabwe to become a prosperous nation. This shows the unique qualities of Rev Sithole and how much he loved this country.
“There is no better definition of a nationalist,” said Esnath.
In the evening a musical gala featuring some of the country’s top musicians, was held in honour of Rev Sithole. Having started as president of ZANU in 1963, Rev Sithole fell out with the party’s leadership and was replaced by former President Robert Mugabe in 1975.
Online Reporter