Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE ruling party, Zanu-PF, officially launched its massive campaign for the Nkulumane Constituency by-election on Sunday, rallying supporters behind the party’s candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu, with top leadership pledging radical improvements in service delivery and holding corrupt officials accountable.
The campaign launch, which featured a vibrant atmosphere of political mobilisation, was highlighted by the dramatic entrance of Presidential Adviser on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, who arrived at Amaveni Primary School grounds in a helicopter, immediately underscoring the high stakes of the December 20 poll.
Addressing scores of supporters, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha urged Nkulumane residents to vote for the revolutionary party to ensure meaningful development and remove underperforming councillors.
Cde Machacha directly tackled the constituency’s long standing service delivery challenges, promising swift action on essential infrastructure.
“We know as a community you have concerns like roads that need to be rehabilitated. You have concerns about having access to clean water, which is going to be addressed by having more boreholes drilled, and issues with sewer and electricity, as there are places without power because the transformers are not working,” Cde Machacha said.
He confirmed that the party had already responded to these concerns at the highest level.
“Zanu-PF as the people’s party listens to the concerns of the people. After having gotten heed of these concerns and gave them to His Excellency President Mnangagwa, he sent his ministers, three transformers, which were not working were replaced and everything is now in order. The other one, which had remained is being put as we are gathered here,” said Cde Machacha.
He also pledged to address water challenges by drilling 18 boreholes in the constituency and fixing the critical sewer infrastructure.
The high-profile arrival of Dr Tungwarara, who landed at Amaveni Primary School to thunderous applause, introduced a strong focus on economic empowerment and welfare.
He immediately handed over food hampers donated by President Mnangagwa to the elderly, stating that the initial consignment of 500 hampers could be increased if demand warranted it.
Dr Tungwarara used the opportunity to announce that the Young Women for ED group in Bulawayo will receive part of the US$500 000 empowerment fund donated by President Mnangagwa, noting that each province is due to receive US$50 000.
“The President sent us to organise food hampers for the elderly people and so far we are working with 500 hampers so if they are not enough they can be increased whilst we are still here so that they will be enough,” Cde Tungwarara said.
He explained that while a formal launch was scheduled, they were seizing the moment to announce the programmes.
“His Excellency gave us money for Young Women4ED, US$250 000, which is US$50 000 for every province. US$50 000 has already been disbursed when we went to Manicaland, so the remaining provinces are Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, and
Midlands, and Bulawayo’s share is going to be disbursed as soon as possible,” said Cde Tungwarara.
In a demonstration of direct support for the candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu was given US$50 000 under the revolving fund, with another US$50 000 expected.
He was advised to create a dedicated team to manage the funds efficiently. Further cementing the party’s commitment to development, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, who was part of the campaign team, donated 10 computers and 10 Starlink kits to Amaveni Primary School and Mgombane Primary School, promising digital skills programmes for Bulawayo residents.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Cde Tino Machakaire, also addressed the rally, urging youth to vote for Zanu-PF to benefit from numerous upcoming youth programmes.
Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda urged residents to vote for the ruling party, criticising the opposition for fielding multiple candidates, which he said demonstrated confusion.
The rally also witnessed a boost from local support, with Albert Mhlanga, former MDC legislator who recently defected to the ruling Zanu PF announcing he had joined the ruling party after realising that development can be achieved regardless of political lines.
