Chronicle Editor
ZANU-PF Bulawayo province must take advantage of the chaos rocking the fractious opposition to convince the people to rally behind the revolutionary party and regain seats lost in previous successive elections.
Following last year’s national elections, chaos in the opposition Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) led to the party’s interim secretary general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu recalling some legislators in different parts of the country including Bulawayo.
This subsequently led to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) holding by-elections with Zanu-PF winning most of them. President Mnangagwa on Sunday commended the electorate in Bulawayo and other parts of Zimbabwe for voting for Zanu-PF in the by-elections, saying their support is a validation of the party’s strategies and development policies, which align with the majority’s interests.
Speaking during the launch of the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme, President Mnangagwa said Zanu-PF’s victory in the by-elections underscored the electorate’s trust in the ruling party’s ability to deliver on its promises and drive positive change in the country.
“Let me start by acknowledging the commendable effort by Bulawayo province in the recent past. I am referring to the resounding victory during the by-election, which has seen the revolutionary party gain six seats in the National Assembly in this province,” he said.
“This is a realisation by our people that our party Zanu-PF is progressive and encompasses all in our devolution thrust towards Vision 2030. Not only did we see our party gaining momentum in this province, but the trend was witnessed throughout the country.
“I want to thank all those that have contributed towards this success especially our traditional leaders who are the custodians of our customs and values.” In an interview, Zanu-PF Secretary-General, Dr Obert Mpofu said the overwhelming votes for the ruling party serve as proof that Zanu-PF’s development agenda resonates with the majority of Zimbabweans.
“Bulawayo has been a bit elusive as far as Zanu-PF is concerned. Bulawayo has not performed very well in the past years, but as you might be aware, we have won most of the constituencies following by-elections that were held recently,” he said.
“The victory is an indication that people are beginning to realise that they can only achieve their developmental aspirations through working with Zanu-PF.
We are conveying that message to those that were doubting the ability and capability of Zanu-PF in bringing development within the city.” Dr Mpofu said under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa the country is expected to achieve inclusive development, which leaves no one and no place behind.
“We have a listening leader, President ED Mnangagwa who loves people. I work with him daily and I know what he thinks about Bulawayo. He is always in the region to try and make people understand what Zanu-PF stands for,” said Dr Mpofu.
Online Reporter