Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka/Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Writers
ZANU-PF national political commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, yesterday declared that the revolutionary party is poised for a resounding victory in the Nkulumane Constituency by-election, stating that the era of opposition-led stagnation in the area has come to an end.
Addressing scores of party supporters at Nketa 6 Grounds, Cde Machacha said the ruling party is the only organisation capable of delivering tangible development and fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
The by-election, scheduled for Saturday, was necessitated by the death of CCC legislator, Desire Moyo, in October. Zanu-PF is fielding Cde Freedom Murechu as its candidate.
Cde Machacha told the jubilant crowd that Zanu-PF’s track record of service delivery speaks for itself, contrasting it with the “neglect” experienced under opposition representation.
“What we are promising is that Zanu-PF remains a party of the people. We stand by what we say and practice what we preach,” said Cde Machacha.
“I can assure the electorate that with Zanu-PF Members of Parliament, their developmental issues and challenges will be addressed. Voters will see a marked difference between the periods before Zanu-PF held the seat and after Zanu-PF enters Parliament to represent Nkulumane.”
He emphasised that the party’s focus remains anchored on President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
“We also assure them that we take economic development and the empowerment of people and communities seriously. Residents can expect a very robust programme aimed at uplifting the standard of living for the people of Nkulumane. We want to eliminate poverty once and for all by increasing the earnings of our people,” he said.
Cde Machacha highlighted that several “legacy projects” are already underway in the constituency, including the drilling and solarisation of boreholes, the installation of transformers, and the donation of ICT equipment.
He noted that the Presidential revolving funds are a key pillar in this developmental drive.
“The President is very much aware that for the country’s economy to grow at a fast rate, we need well-run and well-organised Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He is also aware that countries that have developed rapidly and made remarkable progress, such as China and other East Asian nations, did so by empowering their SME sectors,” said Cde Machacha.
He urged the community to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, noting that a US$20 000 fund donated by President Mnangagwa for the elderly in the constituency should be put to proper use.
Turning to the candidate, Cde Machacha described Cde Murechu as a “son of Bulawayo” who possesses the energy and connections necessary to bring the constituency’s grievances to the highest offices in the land.
“It is now time for Zanu-PF to win the constituency since the opposition has failed in service delivery. Vote for Freedom, he is a youth with vision and energy. I have no doubt he will be with us in Parliament.”
Cde Machacha also commended party structures for their rigorous door-to-door campaigns and thanked local businesses and individuals who supported the campaign trail ahead of the December 20 polls.
Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara said the opposition had dismally failed the people of Bulawayo for two decades and did not deserve another chance to lead the Nkulumane residents.
“The opposition here in Bulawayo and other parts of the country was given a chance to demonstrate and show the people what they are capable of, but they failed dismally while Zanu-PF remained in power predominantly in the rural areas,” he said.
“When President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic came into power, he showed people in urban areas what Zanu-PF has been doing in the rural areas, that development is for everyone. In cities and towns, President Mnangagwa has demonstrated that he is a leader who pushes the development agenda.
Dr Tungwarara said roads are being constructed and rehabilitated, as evidenced by the construction of the Trabablas Interchange and other major projects around the country.
“President Mnangagwa is developing the country regardless of which party a city or town is under because he is the head of state for everyone who was voted for by the majority of Zimbabweans,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is going through transformative development and today (yesterday) the Zanu-PF leadership is here in Bulawayo not with empty promises but with tangible projects that will change the lives of our people.”
Dr Tungwarara appealed for voters in Nkulumane to give the ruling party a chance.
“The people of Nkulumane now have the chance to do the right thing and vote for Zanu-PF and see for themselves if the ruling party will not develop the area and things won’t change. We have seen for ourselves that under the opposition, there is no meaningful development for Nkulumane,” he said.
