Recalled former Bulawayo Ward 1 councillor Shepherd Sithole is seeking a political comeback after registering as an independent candidate for the October 3 by-election.
Sithole previously represented Ward 1 under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), winning the seat in the August 2023 harmonised elections.
His tenure was cut short two months later when he was among 12 Bulawayo councillors recalled following a letter by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed to be the CCC’s interim secretary-general.
Tshabangu said the councillors had ceased to be members of the opposition party.
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Sithole subsequently contested the December 2023 Ward 1 by-election as a CCC candidate but lost the seat to Zanu-PF candidate Josiah Mutangi.
Mutangi was later removed from office after an independent tribunal found him guilty of misconduct, resulting in the Ward 1 seat being declared vacant.
Sithole has now returned to contest the seat, this time without the backing of a political party.
Speaking to CITE after Nomination Court proceedings concluded on Wednesday, Sithole confirmed that he would contest the election as an independent candidate.
“I am Shepherd Sithole, aspiring candidate, independent candidate for Ward 1. I’ll be contesting on the 3rd of October 2026,” he said.
Sithole said his decision to contest was driven by residents who, he claimed, wanted an alternative to Zanu-PF.
“The people have sent us. They believe we cannot just let Zanu-PF contest on its own with the Zanu-PF flag,” he said.
“Standing as an independent candidate will be representing the wishes of the people who have put their trust in believing that at least this ward deserves someone who can represent them.”
The Ward 1 by-election is scheduled for October 3.
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