Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
ZANU-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairman, Cde Richard Moyo, has implored Victoria Falls residents to vote for the ruling party in the forthcoming August 1 council by-elections, saying the polls present an opportunity to improve service delivery and accelerate development in the resort city.
Addressing a campaign rally in Victoria Falls at the weekend, Cde Moyo, who is also the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said electing Zanu-PF councillors would strengthen collaboration between the local authority and Central Government in addressing residents’ concerns.
“I must assure the residents that I am going to engage the town clerk and the mayor to ensure all the issues raised by the residents are addressed,” he said.
The by-elections in Wards 9, 10 and 11 were triggered by the recall of former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors Mthunzi Mpofu, Nkanyiso Sibindi and Daniel Moyo on June 4 by interim CCC secretary-general Mr Sengezo Tshabangu.
Following the recalls, there were chaotic scenes during a full council meeting when Mr Sibindi allegedly smashed a laptop and threatened the town clerk before his subsequent arrest.
Zanu-PF has fielded candidates in all three wards, with Cde Tapiwa Kwendu Sibanda contesting Ward 9, Cde Thindolie Sibanda standing in Ward 10 and Cde George Mhlanga representing the party in Ward 11.
They will face several independent candidates, with Ward 10 attracting eight contestants.
Cde Moyo said residents had expressed concern over service delivery under the recalled opposition councillors and were now looking to the ruling party to address their challenges.
“We have engaged with the residents and they have approached us as the ruling party saying they want to vote for ruling party candidates so that they get improved services, “ he said.
“We are here in Victoria Falls because we have by-elections for three wards coming soon. We came to engage residents and encourage them to vote for the ruling party. The councillors who were recalled were from the opposition and were not workign to ensure that residents got the expected services,” said Cde Moyo.
The rally also marked the formal welcome of Victoria Falls Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lungile Nyoni, who recently crossed the floor to join Zanu-PF.
“We have also received the deputy mayor, Clr Lungile Nyoni, who has seen the light and joined the ruling party from the opposition.
“We warmly welcome you and, as a party, we already have modalities for receiving returnees,” said Cde Moyo.
He also commended Victoria Falls residents for supporting Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, saying the legislation would contribute to sustained national development under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“I appreciate the people of Victoria Falls for supporting CAA3, which is now law. We will continue to witness development under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, and these by-elections present an opportunity for the people of Victoria Falls to vote for progress and development and ensure the city is not left behind,” said Cde Moyo.
