VICTORIA FALLS – The ruling ZANU-PF party has declared its full preparedness for the upcoming local authority by-elections in Victoria Falls, expressing unwavering confidence in a clean sweep across Wards 9, 10, and 11. Following an intensive period of grassroots mobilization, party officials believe their message of development and stability has resonated deeply with the resort city’s electorate.
The polls, scheduled for August 1, 2026, were triggered by the recall of former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors Mthunzi Mpofu, Nkanyiso Sibindi, and Daniel Moyo.
In an interview detailing the party’s final preparations, Cde Douglas Khoza, the ZANU-PF Matabeleland North provincial secretary for administration, confirmed that the campaign machinery is operating at peak efficiency. Teams have been deployed for extensive door-to-door engagements, ensuring that every resident is reached before the Saturday vote.
The campaign received significant momentum from senior leadership interventions. Cde Richard Moyo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and ZANU-PF provincial chairman, personally spearheaded rallies across the contested wards. Furthermore, the presence of National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha underscored the strategic importance the party places on reclaiming these seats.
Central to the ZANU-PF campaign is the tangible progress recorded under the Second Republic. Cde Khoza emphasized that the party’s confidence is rooted in the visible economic transformation of Victoria Falls since the 2023 general elections.
“The electorate has seen firsthand the impact of the massive development projects initiated by His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Khoza stated. He noted that these initiatives have not only modernized the city’s infrastructure but have also generated critical employment opportunities for local youth.
The ruling party has fielded a dedicated slate of candidates:
• Ward 9: Cde Tapiwa Kwendu Sibanda
• Ward 10: Cde Thindolie Sibanda
• Ward 11: Cde George Mhlanga
These candidates will face a field of independent challengers in what is seen as a crucial test of local political sentiment.
A Vision for 2030
As the campaign enters its final hours, the party’s message remains centered on national unity and the “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (A nation is built by its own people) philosophy. Cde Khoza urged residents to turn out in large numbers to endorse the government’s developmental trajectory.
“Our objective is to ensure that no one and no place is left behind as we advance toward Vision 2030,” Khoza concluded. A victory in these three wards is viewed by the party as essential to streamlining service delivery and consolidating the gains made in one of Zimbabwe’s most vital economic hubs.