Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ZANU PF has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity as preparations intensify for the Chegutu Ward One by-election scheduled for February 21, citing the elevation of returnees into influential positions as evidence of its reconciliation and development-focused agenda.
The ruling party has selected former opposition leader Cde Gift Konjana as its candidate for the Ward One contest, a move party officials say reflects an inclusive political approach under the Second Republic.
Speaking on his return to ZANU PF, Cde Konjana said his decision was driven by a desire to work within a political framework capable of delivering measurable development at community level.
“As a returnee, I made a conscious decision to rejoin ZANU PF because it is a party that prioritises development and delivers tangible results at the grassroots level. I realised that real change cannot be achieved through rhetoric, but by working within a system that promotes peace, inclusivity and national development. My focus is to serve the people of Chegutu Ward 1 by unlocking development opportunities that improve their daily lives,” he said.
Director of the Commissariat, Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya, Cde Blessing Chebundo, criticised the opposition for failing to prioritise the interests of the electorate and applauded the Second Republic for delivering tangible national development milestones.
“As a former opposition leader, I can confidently say that the opposition thrives on blocking development rather than advancing the interests of the people. The Second Republic has ushered in a culture of peace and inclusivity, where every Zimbabwean is encouraged to participate in national development. I urge everyone to embrace development, shun empty rhetoric, and reject toxic opposition politics that do not bring tangible benefits to our communities,” he said.
Addressing party members at a campaign rally held in Chegutu this Sunday, the ZANU PF leadership says the placement of returnees in influential positions shows that inclusivity is a lived reality, not just a written policy.
“In ZANU PF, inclusivity is not just a slogan written on paper, but a principle that is being implemented in practice. The inclusion of returnees into influential positions clearly demonstrates that our party values unity, reconciliation and collective national development. We believe that every Zimbabwean who is willing to work for the progress of the country has a place in ZANU PF, and this approach strengthens our structures while ensuring that development is driven by the people, for the people,” ZANU PF Politburo member Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi said.
“This ward has been under opposition leadership since 2008, yet there has been no meaningful development to show on the ground. This by-election presents an opportunity for residents to change that trajectory by voting for ZANU PF, a party that has the capacity to unlock development at the grassroots level. Devolution can only succeed when communities are led by people who work within government systems to bring resources, infrastructure and services to the people,” ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said.
“As the ZANU PF Commissariat, we are preaching and showcasing the good works of the party, and the growing numbers of returnees speak volumes that we are moving in the right direction. This reflects the confidence people have in ZANU PF’s vision, policies and commitment to inclusive national development,” ZANU PF Deputy national Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu said.
“We want this seat as ZANU PF because it becomes very difficult to effectively serve the people when a ZANU PF legislator is working with an opposition councillor. Some fail to understand and align with Vision 2030, which slows down development. Having leadership that shares the same vision makes it easier to plan, coordinate and deliver meaningful development to the community,” Chegutu West Legislator Honourable Shacky Timburwa said.
The Chegutu Ward One by-election is scheduled for February 21, and the seat fell vacant following the death of Councillor Kempton Mukombwa last year.
