ZANU PF welcomes Victoria Falls Deputy Mayor Nyoni, vows to transform city

THE ruling ZANU PF party has officially welcomed Victoria Falls Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lungile Nyoni, following his defection from the opposition CCC, with party leaders urging residents to back the ruling party in the upcoming council by-elections to ensure the resort city’s development trajectory remains on track .

Speaking at a campaign rally in Victoria Falls, ZANU PF Matabeleland North Provincial Chairman and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, called on residents to turn out in numbers for the 1 August polls and vote for ZANU PF candidates in Wards 9, 10, and 11.

He argued that only the ruling party could guarantee improved service delivery and effective local governance.
“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,” Cde Moyo said.

The by-elections were triggered by the recall of three CCC councillors, Mthunzi Mpofu (Ward 9), Nkanyiso Sibindi (Ward 10), and Daniel Moyo (Ward 11) on 4 June 2026, following a directive from the interim CCC secretary-general.
The recalls sparked chaos during a council meeting, with Sibindi reportedly smashing a laptop and threatening the Town Clerk, leading to his arrest.
ZANU PF has fielded Tapiwa Kwendu Sibanda in Ward 9, Thindolie Sibanda in Ward 10, and George Mhlanga in Ward 11.

They will face a host of independent candidates, with Ward 10 alone attracting eight contenders.
Cde Moyo argued that the previous opposition councillors failed to deliver adequate services, justifying the need for change.

“We have engaged with the residents and they have approached us as the ruling party in Government, that may we vote for the ruling party candidates so that we get improved service delivery,” he said.
“We were here in Victoria Falls because we have by-elections for three wards coming soon. You might recall that the three candidates who were recalled were opposition councillors who were not ensuring service delivery is delivered.”

The rally also served as a formal introduction for Deputy Mayor Lungile Nyoni, who recently crossed the floor to ZANU PF.
“We have also received the Deputy Mayor Lungile Nyoni who has seen the light and joined the ruling party from the opposition,” Cde Moyo said.

“We want to welcome you and as a party we warmly welcome you and we already have modalities for returnees. This is a huge boost for Victoria Falls as we will have our own son as the Deputy Mayor.”
Cde Moyo commended residents for supporting the recently enacted Constitution Amendment Act Number 3, which he said provides the legal framework for continued development under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“All these issues will be looked at. I just appreciate the people of Victoria Falls for supporting the CAA3 which is now law. We will now see continued development under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and the by-elections present the people of Victoria Falls to vote for progress and development and not to be left behind,” he said.
The by-elections are scheduled for 1 August 2026 .