President lauds Bulawayo for Zanu-PF victory

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has commended the electorate in Bulawayo and other parts of Zimbabwe for voting for Zanu-PF in recent by-elections, saying their support is a validation of the party’s strategies and development policies, which align with the majority’s interests.

Chaos in the opposition Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) led to the party’s interim secretary general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu triggering recalls of the party’s elected legislators.

This subsequently led to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) holding by-elections with Zanu-PF winning most of them.

During last year’s harmonised elections, Zanu-PF failed to win a single seat in Bulawayo from 12 constituencies. However, in the by-elections, the ruling party won six seats.

Speaking during the launch of the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme on Sunday in Bulawayo, 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.”

Some of the seats that the ruling party wrestled from the opposition in by-elections include Nketa, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park and Tshabalala-Pelandaba constituencies.

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 Zanu-PF trusted its leadership to transform Bulawayo into its stronghold.

He 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.

“He is a nationalist, not a tribalist, he is not a regionalist as he incorporates all regions, all districts, all provinces and tribes. With this kind of a leader, we are geared to succeed in all our political endeavours.”

Dr Mpofu said the party has started preparing for the National People’s Conference in October.

Zanu-PF Bulawayo province was chosen to host the ruling party’s 21st annual National People’s Conference in October, a significant event in the party’s calendar that underscores the importance of unity and growth within its ranks.

This follows last year’s successful 20th National People’s Conference, held at the Midlands Zanu-PF Convention Centre in Gweru.

The party holds the conference on an annual basis and uses the platform to deliberate on people-centric policies that the ruling party eventually adopts for implementation in the Government.

“Technical committees have been here in Bulawayo to prepare the ground for the conference. They are looking at the availability of venues, which will be used and accommodation that will cater for several delegates who will be coming for the conference,” said Dr Mpofu.

“This one is the most exciting as we haven’t had such a meeting for over 10 years. We are working on the mechanism and modalities of making the event a success.”