With just days remaining before the Tsholotsho Ward 10 by-election, the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) says it is confident that voters will choose accountable and community-centred leadership when they go to the polls on June 20.
ZAPU’s Ward 10 campaign manager, Mthabisi Mlingo, said the upcoming election presents residents with an opportunity to shape the future of their community by electing a representative who understands the everyday challenges facing local people.
“This election is about the future we want for our villages, our families and our children. It is about choosing leadership that is honest, accountable, hardworking and committed to serving the people every day, not only during election periods,” said Mlingo in an interview.
He described the party’s candidate Washington Ncube as a grassroots leader with deep roots in the ward.
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“Our candidate, Washington Ncube is a son of Tsholotsho. He was born and raised there. He understands the challenges facing our communities because they are his challenges too. He has walked the same roads, drawn water from the same sources and shared in the hopes and struggles of the people,” he said.
According to Mlingo, the party has received an encouraging response from residents throughout the campaign, reflecting what he described as a growing desire for leaders who listen and work closely with the communities they serve.
“Throughout this campaign, we have been encouraged by the positive reception we have received across Ward 10. The people have demonstrated a clear desire for leadership that listens, consults and works together with the community,” he said.
Mlingo also urged voters not to be swayed by election-season gifts and handouts.
“While communities should never be denied development or support, the people of Tsholotsho are wise enough to distinguish between genuine development and election-season gestures.The dignity and future of our communities are worth far more than temporary campaign tokens,” he said.
He encouraged residents to vote according to their conscience.
“We encourage residents to receive any assistance that comes their way, but to vote according to their conscience, their aspirations and the future they want for Ward 10. A vote is not for sale. It is a powerful instrument for shaping the future of the community.”
The campaign manager said the by-election offers residents a chance to demonstrate that leadership should be earned through service rather than inducements.
“This is an opportunity to send a clear message that the people of Tsholotsho cannot be bought, intimidated or persuaded by short-term inducements,” he said.
He also called for a high voter turnout on election day.
“Most importantly, we urge every registered voter to turn out in large numbers on election day. High voter participation is the strongest expression of democracy and the clearest indication that the people are determined to take charge of their future.”
The Tsholotsho Ward 10 by-election was triggered following the dismissal of former councillor Jonathan Ndlovu after an independent tribunal investigated allegations of abuse of office and misuse of CAMPFIRE funds. The dismissal created a vacancy in the ward, prompting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to call a by-election to elect a new councillor. Similar by-elections are also being held in Tsholotsho Wards 1 and 21 following the dismissal of former councillors in those wards.
Ward 10 voters will choose among candidates from ZAPU, ZANU PF and an independent candidate in the June 20 poll.
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