By Judith Sibanda
Battle lines have been drawn in Victoria Falls’ wards 1 and 6 as various political parties seek to claim the two vacant seats in the upcoming by-elections.
The seats fell vacant after Ephias Mambume and Margaret Varleywere recalled by the MDC-T party led by Thokozani Khupe for pledging allegiance to MDC Alliance.
“The successful candidates that have been submitted by their party’s representatives for ward one are Tonderai Mutasa from Zanu PF who will contest against the (newly formed) Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Christopher Ndiweni,” Vic Falls mayor Somvelo Dhlamini confirmed.
“CCC’s ward six which was formerly represented by Mambume will be contested by Derrick Munsaka while Zanu PF has filled in Bekithemba Mlotshwa and there is also Brian Ndlovu from the MDC Alliance.”
Meanwhile, Dhlamini said he expected the winners to serve the resident’s interests before putting their personal needs first.
“I want to work with councillors who are community-oriented,” Dhlamini said.
“I expect them to be able to articulate the people’s interests and issues well in council and they should also be humble and be able to know their purpose in office,” Dhlamini added.
Dhlamini added: “They should be able to articulate, debate and implement the Urban Councils Act and policies as these are the fundamental principles of local authority’s mandate,” he said.
Victoria Falls has eleven wards that are controlled by the opposition.
