Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka/Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Writers
THE ruling party, Zanu-PF, has unleashed its massive political campaign to wrestle the Nkulumane Constituency by-election slated for December 20, rallying supporters behind the party’s candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu, with top leadership pledging a radical wave of improvements in service delivery and economic empowerment for the community.
The high-stakes campaign was officially launched at Amaveni Primary School grounds on Sunday, marked by dramatic development pledges including the drilling of 18 boreholes to address the critical water shortages, an immediate fix for sewer infrastructure, donation of modern ICT equipment to schools, and the immediate replacement of non-functional electricity transformers.
Addressing scores of party supporters, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, delivered a rousing call to action, framing the by-election as a chance for economic emancipation and a final end to the constituency’s long-standing service delivery woes.
“We have come here to launch our election campaign for Nkulumane Constituency so that Zanu-PF is going to win.
“We’re left with 12 days, and during those days we need to work hard so that we wrestle the constituency from the opposition,” Cde Machacha declared.
He directly tackled the community’s infrastructural concerns, confirming that action was already underway. Cde Machacha promised comprehensive solutions for essential services, which have plagued the residents.
“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,” he said.
Cde Machacha confirmed that the party had already responded to these concerns at the highest level, with immediate results.
“Zanu-PF, as the people’s party, listens to the concerns of the people. After having heard of these concerns and given them to His Excellency President Mnangagwa, he sent his ministers, and three transformers that were not working were replaced and everything is now in order.
“The other one, which has remained, is being put as we are gathered here,” said Cde Machacha, highlighting the practical nature of the party’s campaign.
He further cemented the commitment to improving water access.
“We will address water challenges by drilling 18 boreholes in the constituency and fixing the critical sewer infrastructure.”
Cde Machacha threw his weight behind the party’s candidate, Cde Murechu, highlighting his personal commitment and specific, impactful development projects.
“Another reason why you should vote for Freedom (Murechu) is that he is a well-organised, hard-working young man who is passionate about leading and inspiring other young people to engage in self-empowerment programmes,” he said.
“We will have three nutritional gardens, each consisting of one hectare, which are going to be set up at three schools in Nkulumane Constituency, equipped with solar boreholes and drip irrigation.”
The rally was a hive of activity with multiple high-value donations and empowerment announcements.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, who was part of the campaign team, made a significant donation to boost digital literacy in the area.
She donated 10 computers and 10 Starlink kits to Amaveni and Mgombane Primary Schools, promising that digital skills programmes would follow for Bulawayo residents.
In a clear sign of the party’s serious commitment to reclaiming the seat from the opposition in the December 20 poll, Presidential Adviser on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, arrived by a helicopter, underscoring the high stakes involved.
Dr Tungwarara’s high-profile arrival was quickly followed by economic empowerment announcements, including the immediate handover of food hampers donated by President Mnangagwa to the elderly.
He further announced that the Young Women for ED group in Bulawayo is set to receive part of the US$500 000 empowerment fund donated by President Mnangagwa.
“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,” said Dr Tungwarara.
He confirmed the imminent disbursement of funds for young women’s economic projects.
“His Excellency gave us money for Young Women4ED, US$500,000, which is US$50,000 for every province.
“The remaining provinces are Bulawayo, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Midlands, and Bulawayo’s share is going to be disbursed as soon as possible,” he said.
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. Cde Sibanda predicted a resounding victory for the ruling party.
“Zanu-PF is going to win resoundingly. We will make sure that Freedom will go to Parliament,” he said.
Cde Murechu, who received a massive boost in the form of US$50 000 under the revolving fund with another US$50 000 expected, thanked the leadership for their endorsement and pledged a people-centred approach.
“I promise you that we will work harmoniously with the Zanu-PF leadership and work with churches, residents’ representatives, the youth and people with disabilities.
“I believe in community-led development where we work together as the Nkulumane community,” he pledged.
In a further endorsement, former MDC legislator Albert Mhlanga, who recently defected to the ruling Zanu-PF, announced he had joined the ruling party after realising that development can be achieved regardless of political lines.
Meanwhile, the ruling party’s confidence in securing the seat is anchored on its proven track record in the Bulawayo District Co-ordinating Committee (DCC) Area 5, where Nkulumane falls.
DCC Area 5 chairperson, Cde Mnothisi Nsingo, expressed certainty that the ruling party will ride on its success in the area to seize the Nkulumane parliamentary seat from the opposition.
The DCC Area 5 is the only section in Bulawayo where the ruling party has previously won a parliamentary seat as well as a city council seat, at present held by Cde Albert Mavunga, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works responsible for Local Authorities and Traditional Leadership, who is the Member of Parliament for Nketa Constituency and Cde Tavengwa Zidya, the councillor for Ward 24, respectively.
“We are going all out to win the by-elections and secure another historic win for DCC Area 5. Zanu-PF does not lose in by-elections and we are not about to start losing one in Nkulumane,” Cde Nsingo declared.
“The number of people who are coming out to support our candidate, Cde Murechu, at our rallies is a testament that we have the numbers to win the Nkulumane by-election.
“As chairman of DCC Area 5, I’m confident that we are doing all the necessary groundwork to grab the seat from the opposition.
“While the opposition is in a state of disarray, Zanu-PF is getting stronger by the day and we don’t doubt our chances of winning the parliamentary seat.
“The party leadership and ordinary members attended the rally as a show of confidence in our candidate,” said Cde Nsingo.
