Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
THE ruling party Zanu-PF has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its quest to wrestle the Nkulumane parliamentary seat from the opposition in a by-election scheduled for December 20. This was said by Zanu-PF Bulawayo District Co-ordinating Committee (DCC) Area 5 chairperson, Cde Mnothisi Nsingo, during a rally to drum up support for the party’s candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu, at Nketa grounds on Sunday.
The rally drew hundreds of party supporters — both seasoned members and youth — a clear indication that Zanu-PF enjoys strong grassroots support even in urban areas such as Bulawayo, traditionally viewed as an opposition stronghold.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Desire Moyo in a car accident on October 10.
“Zanu-PF does not lose in by-elections and we are not about to start losing one in Nkulumane. The number of people who came to support our candidate, Cde Murechu, is a testament that we have the numbers to win the Nkulumane by-election. As chairman of DCC Area 5, I’m confident that we are doing all the necessary groundwork to grab the seat from the opposition.
“While the opposition is in a state of disarray, Zanu-PF is getting stronger by the day and we don’t doubt our chances of winning the parliamentary seat. The party leadership and ordinary members attended the rally as a show of confidence in our candidate,” said Cde Nsingo.
Nine candidates have been fielded to contest the by-election. These include CCC’s Mr Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela Skhobokhobo. Also contesting are Mr Alson Moyo of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Mrs Nompilo Ncube-Malaba representing the Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC).
The field is completed by four independent candidates: former Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Ward 22 Councillor Alderman Rodney Jele, Mrs Ester Excellia Zitha — the widow of the late legislator Moyo — and Mr Mbuso Fuzwayo. Also in the race are Mr Vivian Viyo Sibanda (Zapu) and Ms Ethel Sibanda (MDC-T).
Sunday’s rally at Nketa grounds attracted youth, women, people living with disabilities and members of apostolic sects. A sports tournament was organised for football and netball teams to battle it out for honours.
Zanu-PF candidate Cde Murechu said the youth vote will be crucial in the election on December 20. He is the party’s Bulawayo provincial youth chairperson.
“Being the provincial youth chairperson, I believe that I know and understand the concerns and needs of the youth, who are crucial in this election. We have been conducting door-to-door campaigns, speaking to the youth, and they know that Zanu-PF is the only party that will advance their cause.
We are the only party that listens to the concerns of the people and we will finally grab the Nkulumane seat from the opposition come December 20,” said Cde Murechu.
