Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZANU-PF returnees have praised the ruling party’s inclusivity model, saying it has created space for members from diverse political backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Chegutu Ward 1 by-election candidate, Cde Gift Konjana, said his return to ZANU-PF was motivated by the party’s development-driven agenda and equal treatment of members.
The by-election is scheduled for the 21st of this month. Cde Konjana previously contested as an MDC-Alliance and Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate in the 2018 and 2023 harmonised elections.
He rejoined ZANU-PF after the Ward 1 seat fell vacant following the death of CCC councillor Kempton Mukombwa in a mine accident last December.
“ZANU-PF is a party that delivers tangible development at the grassroots level,” he said at the launch of his campaign at Kaguvi Shopping Centre in Chegutu on Sunday.
“Since rejoining, I have been treated the same way as long-serving members, which shows the party’s commitment to inclusivity.”
He pledged to prioritise service delivery, including addressing water shortages and sewage challenges in the ward.
Another returnee, Cde Blessing Chebundo, now the director of Commissariat for Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya, criticised the opposition for what he described as failure to advance development in urban areas.
“The Second Republic has created an inclusive environment where all Zimbabweans can participate in development. People must reject empty rhetoric and embrace progress,” he said.
ZANU-PF Politburo member and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, said inclusivity was a core principle of the party.
“Our inclusivity model is not a slogan but a practice. Anyone willing to work for national development has a place in ZANU-PF,” he said.
Provincial chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa, expressed confidence that the party would win the seat, citing the lack of development under opposition leadership since 2008.
ZANU-PF deputy national political commissar, Cde Webster Shamu, said the growing number of returnees reflected confidence in the party’s vision.
About 1 960 voters are registered in Chegutu Ward 1. The party has already drilled boreholes and plans to install a solarised water system in the ward, which was recently affected by a cholera outbreak.
