By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
Nkulumane Constituency Member of Parliament-elect, Honorable Freedom Murechu, has paid glowing tribute to Nkulumane residents for what he described as a peaceful, dignified and united electoral process, vowing to immediately roll out an inclusive development agenda anchored on community needs.
In a message of appreciation released following his victory, Murechu thanked all sections of the Nkulumane community—including mothers and fathers, vendors, youths, churches, kombi drivers and conductors, workers, professionals and other residents—for turning out to vote peacefully and responsibly.
“The unity, discipline and love shown by the people of Nkulumane spoke louder than words,” Murechu said, adding that the trust placed in him by the electorate “will not be taken lightly.”
He described the by-election as a collective victory for the constituency, emphasising that no one lost in the process.
“What we witnessed was the true spirit of Nkulumane—people putting community first and choosing hope over division,” he said.
Murechu said the focus now shifts from elections to delivery, outlining five key pillars that will guide his tenure as MP. These include building a strong welfare system to support the elderly, orphans, persons with disabilities and vulnerable families; improving infrastructure and social services such as roads, drainage, clinics, schools, water, sanitation and community facilities; empowering youths and women through skills development, mentorship and economic participation; expanding skills training and project funding to boost entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods; and advancing genuine community-led development where residents actively shape decisions and drive local projects.
He stressed that development in Nkulumane would be participatory and transparent, with residents playing a central role in identifying priorities and monitoring progress.
The MP-elect also extended his appreciation to ZANU PF, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the party leadership at both national and provincial levels, acknowledging their support during the campaign period.
Murechu’s victory comes against the backdrop of low voter turnout, a challenge he said calls for renewed engagement with residents to rebuild confidence in democratic processes and ensure that development outcomes are felt at household level.
With the election concluded, expectations are now high in Nkulumane as residents look to see how quickly the promised programmes will translate into tangible change on the ground.
