Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE ruling ZANU PF party says it is confident of retaining the Gutu East parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-elections, riding on developmental programmes implemented by the ZANU PF-led government.
Speaking at a ZANU PF rally held at Kurai Primary School in the Munyikwa area to drum up support for ZANU PF candidate, Cde Zvarevashe Masvingise, the ruling party’s National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha challenged party supporters to come out in their numbers to cast their votes on June 14.
“As a party, we are satisfied with the current environment here in Gutu East, it shows that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s programmes are making an impact in communities. Now we urge you to come out in your numbers on June 14 to vote for our party’s candidate,” Cde Machacha said.
ZANU PF leaders at the event echoed similar sentiments, crediting the President’s vision for improved livelihoods through sustainable development projects.
“President Mnangagwa’s vision is to transform communities and ensure self-sustenance. The vision cannot be achieved in a day hence it’s a journey we have to walk together. Let us support the vision by participating in all programmes implemented in our communities,” ZANU PF Central Committee member, Honourable Winston Chitando said.
“As the Ministry of ICT our vision is to ensure all schools have access to computers and internet again, we are putting up network infrastructure such that we bridge the gap between rural and urban population,” Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dingumuzi Phuthi said.
The provincial leadership reiterated their confidence in retaining the Gutu East Parliamentary seat, calling for continuous peace among party members.
“As a province, we are a beneficiary of President Mnangagwa’s pro-people policies and many of them have made a significant impact on community livelihoods. The devolution programme has transformed people’s lives through ensuring access to healthcare services, improved education infrastructure, access to ICT and borehole sinking projects,” Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said.
“As ZANU PF Masvingo province we are united, and we continue to call for that spirit to remain amongst ourselves even beyond by-elections. The turnout at our rallies is testimony that people are confident of their party and they will vote for it,” Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa said.
The ZANU PF candidate Cde Zvarevashe Masvingise spoke on various engagement programmes being implemented to improve community livelihoods.
“We are encouraged by the foundation that was laid by President Mnangagwa in Gutu East in terms of development. This major economic activity in this area is agriculture and so far we have engaged organisations such as ZIMTRADE to assist us with markets in horticulture and livestock production. We have also signed an agreement with Great Zimbabwe University to supply them with traditional grains among many other developments as we strive to improve the lives of our community members,” he said.
The event saw the handover of computers to Kurai Primary School, sewing machines for women and a revolving fund for start-up projects.
The Gutu East Parliamentary by-election will be held this Saturday, with three candidates Cde Masvingise of ZANU PF, Gift Gonese an independent candidate and Zivanai Nzvenga of the NCA party, set to battle it out.
