Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Insiza
THE ruling Zanu-PF has expressed confidence in winning next week’s Insiza North by-election, saying its tried and tested people-centred footprint was there for all to see.
Addressing a well-attended star rally held at Sweet Home village in Ward 13 yesterday, National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, urged supporters to vote for Cde Delani Moyo, the party’s candidate and win the seat with a resounding victory.
The rally was also graced by provincial political heavyweights, who included chairperson Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, who is also the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, who is the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, former Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Abednico Ncube, Insiza South legislator Cde Spare Sithole, former Cabinet Minister, Cde Andrew Langa, businessman and losing party primary elections candidate, Dr Qhubani Moyo.
“Cde Delani Moyo is on his way to Parliament, whether those we are contesting against like it or not. We are a tried and tested revolutionary party that brought independence to this nation. Victory for us is certain. Zanu-PF is an invincible phenomenon, we can’t lose to any party, worse an independent candidate,” said Cde Machacha.
Cde Moyo faces the challenge of Mr Thabani Mlotshwa of Zapu, Mr Mbongeni Moyo of the Zimbabwe National Revival Party as well as an independent, Mr Lesley Dube.
The seat became vacant following the death of Cde Farai Taruvinga in March, after a long battle with cancer.
Cde Machacha, whose better part of the speech was in fluent IsiNdebele, said Zanu-PF has a well-documented history that was laid by its founding fathers such as the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe and the late Vice-President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, among other illustrious sons and daughters of the nation.
“You are aware that Dr Nkomo never relented in his quest to have the land retained by the majority blacks in this country. Even on his death bed he held President Mugabe by his hand and asked him to promise that, even if he dies, the land redistribution programme was not going to be halted, but instead would be fast tracked so that people get value for what they fought for,” said Cde Machacha.
Speaking in an interview at the end of the rally, Cde Moyo said while he will ensure that projects that were started by Cde Taruvinga were fully implemented, he also has his projects that will soon take off after his assured victory next week.
“Cde Taruvinga had several projects, which he had started, so once I am elected, those projects must be completed because it’s a party programme. I also have mine that I will start now as an MP because I have been doing a lot of projects for our people here,” said Cde Moyo.
Provincial chairperson, Cde Ndlovu said the party was facing the opposition of surpassing its 2023 results, not the three candidates challenging Cde Moyo.
“The challenge we have as a party is not coming from those challenging our candidate, but it is us as we want to surpass the figures we achieved in the last national elections. Those challenging Cde Moyo are in disarray, but we won’t sit on our laurels, lest they have a black jack in their sleeves,” said Ndlovu.
He said the party was leaving no stone unturned in mobilising supporters, with campaign teams strategically set up in all the villages in the ward and even beyond, as some members may have relocated from Insiza North but have not transferred.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our campaign, we must and we should retain this seat at all costs. Tomorrow’s rally will set the road to that resounding victory come results announcement on 14 June,” said Cde Ndlovu.
