Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka/Peter Matika, Zimpapers Senior Writers
ZANU-PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, has hailed the ruling party’s resounding victory in the Nkulumane parliamentary by-election as a testament to its mobilisation prowess and a clear sign of shifting political dynamics in Bulawayo.
Cde Machacha credited the success to Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa, for providing essential logistical support and inspiration that appeals to the generality of the electorate.
He also commended the party leadership and provincial teams for their tireless efforts in ensuring the party reclaimed the seat.
The ruling party’s candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu, emerged victorious in the by-election held on Saturday, securing the seat that fell vacant following the death of the incumbent legislator, Mr Desire Moyo, in October.
Official results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Elections Officer Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe, confirmed that Cde Murechu outpaced eight other contestants with 3 416 votes.
The tally represents a massive swing in a constituency long considered an opposition fortress.
“We would like to congratulate Zanu-PF for its tireless efforts in mobilising the vote, which has resulted in this victory.
“It’s clear that the political tide is turning in Bulawayo, residents are witnessing the massive developments taking place under the Second Republic, led by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa,” said Cde Machacha.
“The credit also goes to His Excellency, who provided all the necessary logistical support, and to the Zanu-PF leadership and provincial teams who worked tirelessly to secure this victory,” he added.
Cde Murechu’s closest rival, independent candidate Rodney Jele, finished a distant second with 745 votes. Esther Excellia Zitha, the widow of the late Mr Moyo who ran as an independent, received 325 votes, while Mothusi Ndlovu (popularly known as Madlela Skhobokobo) of the CCC garnered 320 votes.
Other independent candidates — Mbuso Fuzwayo garnered 121 votes, Vivian Siziba of ZAPU (110), Alson Moyo of the EFF Zimbabwe (65), Ethel Sibanda of the MDC-T (23), and Nompilo Ncube Malaba of the ZANC polled 18 votes.
Cde Machacha attributed the win to the electorate’s frustration with the lack of development in urban areas under opposition care.
“Voters are also seeing the collapse of service delivery under the Bulawayo City Council. They are realising that their interests are best served under Zanu-PF leadership, as evidenced by the trust they have placed in our candidate,” he said.
“This win is a reflection of the changing mood in the city.”
Cde Machacha said the opposition’s failure to deliver on its promises has paved the way for Zanu-PF’s resurgence.
“We expect more victories in the future because the opposition is disintegrating.
“They lack a developmental programme and have allowed the city to decay under their care. Consequently, we anticipate continued success in upcoming elections,” Cde Machacha said.
The total voter population for the constituency stood at 22,833, with ZEC recording a voter turnout of 22.7 percent.
In a heartfelt message of appreciation, Cde Murechu, expressed his profound gratitude to the residents of Nkulumane for their peaceful conduct.
“From the bottom of my heart, ngiyabonga kakhulu. I sincerely thank all groups in our community — our mothers and fathers, vendors, the youth, churches, kombi drivers and their conductors, workers, professionals, and every resident of Nkulumane for coming out to vote peacefully and with great dignity,” he said in an interview.
“Your unity, discipline, and love for our constituency have spoken louder than words,” said Cde Murechu.
He reserved special praise for the party’s leadership, specifically thanking President Mnangagwa for his guidance and the resources provided to ensure a successful campaign.
“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Zanu-PF and our First Secretary, His Excellency President Mnangagwa, for his unwavering vision and the logistical support that made this victory possible.
“I am equally grateful to the party leadership, both nationally and in Bulawayo, and all our stakeholders for their support and for standing by me as a child of Bulawayo,” said Cde Murechu.
“This victory is a testament to the President’s mantra that no one and no place shall be left behind.”
He emphasised that his victory belonged to the entire community and promised to prioritise the needs of the vulnerable.
“You have placed your trust in me, and I assure you that this trust will not be taken lightly. In this democratic process, there are no losers; we have all won.
“What we witnessed was the true spirit of Nkulumane, a people putting community first and choosing hope over division.
“Together, we will deliver on our promises by building a strong welfare society that protects our elderly, orphans, persons living with disabilities, and vulnerable families,” he added.
Cde Murechu committed to a total transformation of the local landscape, focusing on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic sustainability.
“We are committed to a total transformation of our local landscape by improving infrastructure and social services, specifically focusing on our roads, drainage systems, clinics, schools, water, and sanitation,” he said.
“We will work tirelessly to empower our youth and women with the skills and opportunities necessary for meaningful economic participation.”
Zanu-PF District Co-ordinating Committee (DCC) Area 5 chairperson, Cde Mnothisi Nsingo, echoed Cde Murechu’s sentiments, noting that the victory further solidifies DCC Area 5 as a stronghold for the ruling party in Bulawayo.
The district already boasts significant representation through Cde Albert Mavunga, the Member of Parliament for Nketa and Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, and Cde Tavengwa Zidya, the Councillor for Ward 24.
“We have won this by-election and secured another historic victory for DCC Area 5. This is a clear indication that Zanu-PF does not lose in by-elections,” he said.
“The number of people who came out to support our candidate, Cde Murechu — whether at rallies or through community engagement — is a testament to the fact that we have the numbers.
“While the opposition remains in a state of disarray, Zanu-PF is getting stronger by the day,” said Cde Nsingo.
He expressed the party’s satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the win signifies growing public confidence in the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
