THE Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu) says it is confident of clinching victory in the upcoming Ward 10 by-election in Tsholotsho, describing the poll as an opportunity for residents to reject corruption and restore accountable community leadership.
The party’s candidate, Washington Ncube, successfully filed his nomination papers at the Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) offices, setting the stage for a tightly contested race ahead of the June 20 by-elections.
Seven candidates successfully filed nomination papers to contest the Tsholotsho RDC’s three wards [ward 1, 10 and 21] by-elections, with the ruling Zanu PF party also expressing confidence of securing victory in all contested wards.
The by-elections resulted from the suspension and dismissal of councillors Witness Khumalo (Ward 1), Jonathan Ndlovu (Ward 10) and Felix Tshuma (Ward 21) due to allegations of corruption connected to Campfire funds.
Ward 10 attracted three candidates, namely Simbisai Ndlovu of Zanu PF, Ncube of Zapu, and independent candidate Ntando Siziba.
In Ward 1, Lindiwe Mkwananzi of Zanu PF will contest independent candidate Solani Mlilo, while in Ward 21, Zanu PF’s Phillip Mvundla will take on independent candidate Marx Sibanda.
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Speaking in an interview yesterday, Zapu Ward 10 campaign manager and chief election agent, Mthabisi Mlingo, said the people of Tsholotsho fully understand why the by-election is taking place and are ready to elect leaders who genuinely represent their interests.
“As Zapu, we are positive about the outcome in Tsholotsho Ward 10,” he said.
“The people understand why these by-elections are taking place.
“This is not part of the normal electoral cycle, but a consequence of failures and allegations of corruption by former representatives from Zanu PF.”
He said the by-election gives the community a democratic opportunity to correct past mistakes and elect leaders rooted in the aspirations of local people.
“Tsholotsho now has an opportunity to correct that situation through democratic means and choose accountable leadership rooted in the community.”
Mlingo said Zapu’s campaign is centred on honest leadership, consultation and community-driven development, arguing that local politics should focus on solving the everyday challenges faced by residents.
“The people of Tsholotsho know that Zapu stands for honest, hardworking and consultative leadership,” he said.
“We believe politics is local, and these by-elections give communities the chance to focus on their real day-to-day issues without the noise of national politics.”
Mlingo described Zapu’s candidate Ncube as a grassroots leader with deep ties to the area.
“Our candidate, Ncube, was born and raised in Tsholotsho.
“He understands the struggles of the people because he lives them together with the community.
“He is not detached from the people.
“He grew up with them, and because he is one of them, the community trusts that he will defend their interests and work for genuine development rather than personal enrichment.”
Mlingo also revealed that Zapu fielded a candidate in Ward 10 following consultations and co-operation with other opposition parties and democratic forces, saying opposition unity remains key in challenging Zanu PF.
“We fielded a candidate in one ward after engagements with other opposition parties and democratic forces.
“There was a shared understanding that cooperation is necessary if the opposition is to effectively challenge Zanu PF.
“We agreed to support other opposition candidates in some wards while they support us in Ward 10.”
He said Tsholotsho could become an example of how opposition parties can work together for the benefit of communities and national democratic progress.
“Tsholotsho can become a microcosm of what national politics should look like.
“Politics must be mature, strategic and united around the interests of the people.
“We hope national opposition leaders can learn from this example on the importance of cooperation in building a stronger democratic alternative for Zimbabwe.”
Mlingo urged residents to participate peacefully in the by-election and turn out in large numbers to vote.
The affected wards fell vacant after government dismissed the councillors following investigations into allegations involving abuse of Campfire funds and other offences.