A local political activist has warned that the upcoming Nkulumane parliamentary by-election may see a significant split in the opposition vote, following an unusually high number of candidates registering for the contest.
Nine candidates will contest the seat, which fell vacant in October after the death of MP Desire Moyo in a road traffic accident. The list includes his widow, alongside candidates from several political parties and three independents.
The by-election will be held on 20 December 2025.
Speaking during an Asakhe Online X-Space discussion held alongside the nomination court proceedings on Thursday, political commentator Mlungisi Dube said the crowded field could dilute the opposition vote and further depress turnout.
“It is very worrying for candidates because the turnout of voters is usually low for by-elections,” he said. “It is therefore worrying that there are this many people who are trying to run for the seat.”
He added that most of the independent candidates and opposition parties were “fishing from the same pond”, warning that the limited voter base may be stretched even thinner.
The nine candidates are: Esther Auxilia Zitha (Independent), Ethel Sibanda (MDC-T), Nompilo Ncube Malaba (ZANC), Alson Moyo (Economic Freedom Fighters Zimbabwe), Rodney Jele (Independent), Mbuso Fuzwayo (Independent), Freedom Murechu (Zanu-PF), Mothusi “Madlela” Ndlovu (CCC), and Siziba Viyo Vivian (ZAPU).
Dube said the race could be closely contested, noting the influence and track records of both the political parties and some of the independent candidates.
“If you track the past elections in Nkulumane for the past ten years, this is the third by-election that is being held there,” he said. “In 2015, after the passing of Thamsanqa Mahlangu, Zanu-PF won the seat by a great margin. In 2022, the CCC, then a newly formed party, won the by-election after recalls.”
“With eight opposition and independent candidates now contesting against Zanu-PF, it will be interesting to see what happens, especially considering the strength of the parties involved.”
He added that many will be watching how Sengezo Tshabangu mobilises support for CCC candidate Mothusi “Madlela” Ndlovu, a well-known artist in Bulawayo.
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