Online Reporter
Dorothy N Sithole
THE Patriotic Vendors 4ED Matabeleland North Province on Saturday officially launched its Tsholotsho District Chapter, marking a significant step in strengthening the organisation’s grassroots structures while rallying support for the forthcoming local authority by-elections.
The launch, held at Tsholotsho Centre, also served as a platform to review the organisation’s provincial launch held in March this year and to mobilise support for ZANU PF candidates contesting in the upcoming by-elections for Wards 1, 10 and 21.
The event attracted senior ZANU PF officials, affiliate leaders, local government representatives and vendors from across the district.
Among those in attendance were Matabeleland North Women’s League Chairlady Cde Dora Msimanga, who was the guest of honour, Tsholotsho District DCC Committee member Cde Sikhosana, DCC Secretary for Administration Cde Nkosikhona Khumalo, Tsholotsho Rural District Council representative Mr Moyo, Patriotic Vendors 4ED National Executive member Cde Cynthia Sibanda and Matabeleland North Provincial Chairperson Cde Ruth Sibanda.
Addressing the gathering, Cde Msimanga commended the Patriotic Vendors 4ED leadership for its commitment to supporting ZANU PF programmes and engaging communities at grassroots level.
She praised the national leadership led by Cde Sawu Jere and noted that Matabeleland North Province had established a strong and active presence within the affiliate organisation.
“I commend Patriotic Vendors 4ED for being well organised, always active and fully committed to ZANU PF National People’s Party campaigns. Thank you for your great effort and for carrying the party’s message to the ground,” said Cde Msimanga.
She also applauded the provincial leadership led by Cde Cynthia Nkomo and Cde Ruth Sibanda for their hands-on approach in building and strengthening structures across the province.
Tsholotsho Rural District Council representative Mr Moyo welcomed the growing representation of vendors through Patriotic Vendors 4ED, saying the platform was giving informal traders a stronger voice in development initiatives and policy discussions.
“The inclusion of vendors at national level through Patriotic Vendors 4ED is an important development that ensures their concerns and contributions are recognised in national development processes,” he said.
Following the official launch, members embarked on a door-to-door campaign across Tsholotsho as part of efforts to mobilise support ahead of the by-elections scheduled for June 20 by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).
The by-elections were necessitated by vacancies in Wards 1, 10 and 21 following the dismissal of former councillors Witness Khumalo, Jonathan Ndlovu and Felix Tshuma.
The trio were removed from office after an independent tribunal found them guilty of criminal abuse of office and fraud involving CAMPFIRE funds.
With the campaign period entering its final phase, Patriotic Vendors 4ED leaders said they would continue engaging vendors and residents to encourage participation in the electoral process and support ZANU PF candidates in the affected wards.
The launch of the Tsholotsho District Chapter is expected to further strengthen the organisation’s footprint in Matabeleland North and enhance its mobilisation efforts at community level.
