ZANU–PF Launches Full-Scale Campaign for Nkulumane By-Election

ZANU–PF has launched an intensive campaign for the Nkulumane Constituency by-election, urging residents to back party candidate Freedom Murechu in the December 20 poll. Senior party leaders promised major improvements in service delivery and a crackdown on corruption.

The campaign opened with a high-profile arrival by Presidential Adviser on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, who landed at Amaveni Primary School by helicopter, signalling the importance the ruling party has placed on the contest.

Addressing supporters, National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha pledged rapid progress on long-standing service delivery issues, including road repairs, restoring power in affected areas, drilling boreholes and fixing the sewer network. He said President Mnangagwa had already intervened to replace faulty electricity transformers in the constituency.

Dr Tungwarara handed out food hampers for elderly residents and announced that Bulawayo chapters of Young Women for ED will soon receive part of a US$500 000 empowerment fund from the President. He also said Murechu had been allocated US$50 000 from a revolving fund, with another tranche expected.

ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera donated computers and Starlink kits to local schools and pledged digital skills programmes for the community. Youth Empowerment Minister Tino Machakaire urged young people to support the ruling party, saying they stand to benefit from upcoming empowerment initiatives.

ZANU–PF Bulawayo chairman Jabulani Sibanda criticised the opposition for fielding multiple candidates, arguing it reflected disunity. The rally also received backing from former MDC legislator Albert Mhlanga, who recently defected to the ruling party, saying development should transcend political affiliation.