Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF demonstrated its growing grassroots strength by securing decisive victories in all three council by-elections held over the weekend in Mangwe, Gutu and Chimanimani — results the party attributes to the people-centred policies of the Second Republic.
The ruling party’s clean sweep saw it wrestle a ward from the opposition in Matabeleland South, underscoring what analysts see as a crucial shift in local political dynamics. According to results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), in Mangwe Rural District Council (RDC), Ward 12 Zimnyama Small Scale (Matabeleland South), the party’s candidate, Cde Benjamin Ndlovu, emerged victorious with 463 votes, defeating Independent candidate Tshaka Moyo, who garnered 137 votes.
This victory was particularly significant as the seat, which became vacant following the death of an opposition Councillor in August, had been controlled by the opposition for the past 20 years, with Cde Ndlovu’s win being viewed as a reflection of the enduring legacy of unity and empowerment delivered by Zanu PF across the province.
Similarly, in Gutu RDC, Ward 4 (Masvingo Province), Zanu-PF candidate Cde Tawanda Matare romped to a commanding victory, securing 800 votes against Independent candidate Farai Manguwo, who only managed 53 votes.
The trend continued in Chimanimani RDC, Ward 21 (Manicaland Province), which recorded a notably high voter turnout. Here, Zanu-PF candidate Cde Chipo Hlerema clinched the seat with 982 votes, comfortably beating National Consultative Assembly candidate Janet Chitendeva, who registered 93 votes.
The overwhelming margins highlight the positive impact of President Mnangagwa’s sound economic policies on citizens’ lives.
