Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE ruling ZANU PF party is confident of scooping the Makonde Ward 14 by-election set for this Saturday.
Party supporters gathered in large numbers at Alaska grounds to rally behind the party’s candidate, Cde Solomon Biziwoki.
The rally, which drew multitudes from across the ward, showcased the party’s commitment to grassroots development, with speakers highlighting ongoing and completed projects such as borehole drilling, road rehabilitation, and other service delivery initiatives.
“We are not here for politics of promises. Our President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasises servant leadership, and in that direction, we are here for practical development, particularly enhanced service delivery for better roads, clean water, and economic empowerment for our people,” Biziwoki said.
Some members of the electorate expressed optimism over the party’s developmental thrust.
“This seat has been in the hands of the opposition for a long time, and that has affected the development of the areas. Opposition members are only there to loot resources at the expense of the electorate. We have witnessed meaningful development since the ruling party chipped in during the campaign period,” one supporter said.
ZANU PF’s provincial leadership underscored the importance of party unity as a cornerstone for sustainable development and effective service delivery.
“We are ready for the by-election. We have mobilised our members to come out in their numbers and vote. As a party, we are focused on development, particularly improving on service delivery,” ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said.
“Let us speak with one voice and focus on transforming lives through tangible action, not division. Development works when we are pulling in the same direction. This is an opportunity for us to maintain our ZANU PF train from the President to the Minister to the MP,” Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland West, Honourable Marian Chombo said.
The Ward 14 seat became vacant following the arrest and imprisonment of the former councillor, Chipo Mlotshwa, who is currently serving a three-year sentence for fraud.
The by-election is expected to be tightly contested, but ZANU PF remains upbeat, citing visible development projects and grassroots mobilisation as key drivers of its anticipated victory.
