adminRobin Muchetu Senior Reporter
THE Zanu-PF Parliamentary candidate for Nkulumane constituency, Cde Killian Sibanda, has launched a door-to-door campaign ahead of the 19 December by-election. Cde Sibanda took his campaign to the people of Nkulumane and is optimistic of a clean sweep come election time. Addressing party supporters at Sekusile Shopping Complete in Nkulumane yesterday morning, Cde Sibanda called on the supporters to campaign peacefully.
“As you go to people’s homes do it in peace; you just have to preach unity, development and empowerment to them. We want this to work for us and it is possible if done peacefully,” he said.
Last week, President Mugabe urged Cde Sibanda to campaign vigorously if he is to win the election. He said campaigning was a morale booster and the whole party was going to support Cde Sibanda and ensure that he wins the seat which fell vacant after the death of MDC-T legislator Thamsanqa Mahlangu in September this year.
Asked on what he had in store for the people of Nkulumane, Cde Sibanda said he was the link between the people and Government.
“I am offering linkage and visibility to the people. I will ensure that I connect them to the right people in Government that will aid in the development of the constituency. Opposition forces cannot give this to the people,” he said.
He said those that are going to vote for an opposition candidate are risking development that should come their way. The people of Nkulumane constituency have been clashing with council rangers and Cde Sibanda promised to get to the bottom of the issue. Cde Absalom Sikhosana who also attended the launch said during the campaign that will go on until 18 December, party members should inform the people about the Zanu-PF candidate.
“Tell the people of the Zanu-PF candidate so that they know who to vote for, give them all the information that they need about Cde Sibanda and they will stand behind him,” he said.
He also said those that were not interested to hear about the campaign should be left alone so as to avoid clashes.
“Abangafuniyo ukuthi lingene emzini yabo batshiyeni. We want to go with humility to people’s homes, and when one is not interested just move to the next house. We do not want violence at all,” he said.
Nkulumane constituency is estimated to have approximately 16 000 registered voters.
Cde Sibanda has so far held 56 meetings with residents as a means to inform them about his plans. He said smaller meetings proved effective as people attended.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter