By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
ZANU-PF officially launched its campaign for the Nkulumane Constituency by-election on Sunday, holding a high-energy rally at Amaveni Primary School where the party presented its candidate, Freedom Murechu, and unveiled a series of development pledges aimed at transforming the community.
The by-election, slated for 20 December 2025, will see nine candidates vying to replace the late MP Desire Moyo. ZANU-PF used the launch to position Murechu as the face of its development agenda for Nkulumane.
Leading the campaign was ZANU-PF Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, accompanied by senior party figures including Dr Paul Tungwarara, Hon. T. Machakaire, and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera.
Machacha told hundreds of supporters that a vote for ZANU-PF would unlock major infrastructure projects in the constituency. He announced that the party intends to drill 18 boreholes, resolve persistent sewer challenges, and distribute 10,000 tonnes of rice and additional food hampers to local residents.
As part of government-aligned empowerment initiatives, the rally also revealed that ZANU-PF is introducing a US$100,000 revolving fund for community projects in Nkulumane.
Minister Mavetera added to the list of pledges, announcing that 10 computers and 10 Starlink kits would be donated to Amaveni and Mgombane Primary Schools to boost ICT access for learners.
Turning to the political landscape, ZANU-PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson Jabulani Sibanda criticised the opposition for fielding multiple candidates in the by-election, arguing that the fragmented field reflected confusion and a lack of clear representation. He urged residents to “stand strong and united” behind ZANU-PF, saying the party was defending Zimbabwean values against “foreign ideologies.”
Sibanda added that Sunday’s rally marked the beginning of an intense campaign period in Nkulumane, calling on supporters to safeguard the constituency’s identity and vote for what he described as “freedom, unity and heritage preservation.”
With campaign season now officially underway, all eyes turn to Nkulumane as political parties intensify their efforts ahead of the December 20 poll.
