From birth in historic times to victorious MP for Bubi

BORN just 10 days after the landmark 1980 general elections that marked the historic moment when indigenous black people cast their votes for the first time, Simelisizwe Sibanda, 43 years later took part in the polls and emerged as the triumphant representative of the Bubi constituency in the national assembly seat for Zanu-PF.

For him, victory was never a question; the real query was by how many votes.

“We were never in doubt that we were going to retain this seat, our only issue was by how many votes, nothing else,” said Sibanda.

Sibanda’s resounding win with 11 208 votes, against his closest rival Bekithemba Mabhena of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party with 4 672 votes, showcased his unwavering support from the people of Bubi. Nkululeko Mathe, an Independent candidate, garnered 899 votes, while Luke Moyo of Zapu received 753. Ernest Ncube representing Freezim Congress managed to secure 150 votes, Bekezela Nyathi of UANC garnered 250 votes, and Fortune Jamela Sibanda of the MDC-T party received 583 votes.

Speaking about his victory, Cde Sibanda expressed his natural excitement at the prospect of serving in Parliament, but he was also quick to highlight that the real work was just beginning.

“I want to be part of the development of Bubi district, an area endowed with natural resources especially minerals. I was born here; I grew up here and I know all issues that affect this area and that need to be attended to. I chose to run for the National Assembly seat under Zanu-PF simply because it’s a party that I have always supported, a party that is ruling and will continue to rule this country. It is a party that unchained us from colonial bondage hence we are free till today.

“I also chose to run for office because I fully understand the three roles of an MP, I will speak for and air the views of the people of Bubi in Parliament, I will represent the aspirations of the people of Bubi and engage in debates that give value to the wishes and the will of citizens, looking at issues that affect the people of Bubi,” said Sibanda.

Sibanda’s dedication to his constituents was evident as he pledged to engage them continuously on developmental issues and ensure their concerns were promptly addressed.

“I will give feedback and effectively communicate with the people so that Bubi is kept informed of key developmental issues. As long as you don’t engage with the constituents, you won’t do anything tangible. The third role is to partake in the lawmaking processes of this country, in line with the dictates of the constitution,” he said.

One of Sibanda’s key concerns was the underdevelopment in Bubi despite the presence of major corporations operating in the district. He lamented the inadequate infrastructure and the worrying state of education standards in most schools, issues he pledged to tackle.

“We have for instance Turk Mine Primary School which was constructed by the mine yet management of the mine are not sending their children there because of its state, these are things that we have to tackle, it’s unacceptable.

The mine is making millions in United States dollars but it’s not showing in the community,” said Sibanda, who attended primary school at Mbembeswana Primary School in the district before proceeding to Siganda Secondary School, also in Bubi district.

Despite humble beginnings, Sibanda persevered and achieved an impressive academic record. He holds a Master of Science degree in Biodiversity Conservation from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), a Master of Science degree in Disaster Management (Nust), a Master of Science degree in Peace, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Management from ZOU.