Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF Manicaland has launched its campaign for the Mutare Central Ward Three by-election, with a mobilisation blitz anchored on new development projects being spearheaded by the ruling party-led Government in the province.
The campaign was officially launched by ZANU PF deputy national political Commissar, Cde Webster Shamu, ahead of the August 1 poll aimed at reclaiming the seat.
Speaking at Sakubva Beit Hall this afternoon, Cde Shamu called for a peaceful, all-inclusive drive rooted in unity and service delivery to secure a landslide victory for the party candidate, Cde Portia Gwinyai.
The meeting followed a resolution by the ZANU PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) to intensify preparations for the Ward Three poll, with senior officials, district structures and grassroots leaders tasked to reach every household before polling day.
Provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said the party will adopt an all-inclusive sectoral approach to mobilise and reclaim the ward.
He said the campaign must be non-violent, seamless and involve everyone from national to cell level to avoid blame-shifting should anything go wrong.
Cde Mukodza applauded Manicaland Province for its outstanding contribution during the CAB3 public consultations.
He highlighted that the province ranked among the best in endorsing CAB3, which has been assented to by President Mnangagwa, and is now law. He challenged Ward Three to match that same spirit by delivering a resounding victory in the by-election.
“We must win this Ward Three seat at all costs. Losing is not an option. Victory is guaranteed if we remain united. Let bygones be bygones. No to bhora musango politics. No selling out. We are voting for ZANU PF, not individuals. If you have a problem with the candidate, bring it to the structure. Outside, we speak with one voice,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, congratulated members of the party who were co-opted into various structures and positions, saying their deployment must translate into visible delivery on the ground.
He said the province harvested 256 000 tonnes of maize, with no hunger recorded, while 16 000 hectares of wheat have been planted to guarantee food security ahead of the elections.
“Development is our campaign message. People must see what ZANU PF is doing and vote to protect it. From food to jobs to health, the Second Republic is delivering,” said Minister Mugadza, while urging the party to take the lead in mobilising for Heroes and Defence Forces commemorations, describing the events as key to reminding communities of the liberation legacy that ZANU PF continues to defend.
On health, Minister Mugadza said there is a cholera outbreak in the province, starting from Penhalonga. He directed party structures to work with local authorities on awareness and sanitation drives, adding that Sakubva Hospital has been transformed into a rehabilitation centre, with US$350 000 set aside by the City of Mutare to support drug rehabilitation programmes.
In industrial development, he said GMB Timber Mills is now 90 percent complete, and will be commissioned by President Mnangagwa before the end of the year.
He said Government has also paid US$16 million to revamp Dorowa Minerals Mine, and turn it into a one-stop fertiliser production hub to support farmers in Manicaland and beyond.
Minister Mugadza said work on the Christmas Pass By-Pass Road is now 40 percent complete, and urged communities to receive returnees from South Africa and integrate them into economic activities.
He reiterated that the law will take its course against those found spearheading sabhuku deals, warning that corruption undermines development and the party’s image.
