ZAPU’s campaign for the June 20 Tsholotsho ward 10 by-election has received a significant boost after independent candidate Ntando Siziba withdrew from the race and threw his weight behind the opposition party’s candidate, Washington Ncube.
Siziba announced his decision through audio messages circulated in various WhatsApp groups in the ward, citing limited campaign resources and his desire to support a united opposition front.
“I will be going to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to withdraw my papers. I cannot be seen to be working with Zanu PF. From now onwards I will be working with ZAPU and I urge all my supporters to rally behind the party’s candidate,” said Siziba, a former member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
His withdrawal was immediately welcomed by ZAPU, which described the move as an important step towards building unity among democratic and progressive forces in Zimbabwe.
On this topic
In an interview Zapu’s campaign manager Mthabisi Mlingo said the endorsement demonstrated a growing recognition that the interests of the people should take precedence over individual political ambitions.
Responding to the endorsement, ZAPU candidate Ncube said the development was a victory for the people of Tsholotsho rather than any individual or political party.
“I welcome this decision with humility and gratitude. This endorsement is not a victory for an individual or a political party. It is a victory for the people of Tsholotsho. It demonstrates that when leaders place the interests of citizens above personal ambitions, meaningful progress becomes possible,” said Ncube in an interview.
“I pledge to work with all stakeholders, regardless of their political backgrounds to advance the aspirations of our communities and deliver effective representation.”
ZAPU campaign manager Mthabisi Mlingo described Siziba’s decision as a sign of political maturity and a positive development for democratic politics in Zimbabwe.
“This is a significant and encouraging development for our campaign and for democratic politics in Zimbabwe. The decision by our colleague to withdraw and support a common cause reflects political maturity, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to the people,” said Mlingo.
“It reinforces our belief that cooperation among opposition and progressive forces is not only desirable but necessary if we are to achieve meaningful change. We welcome all supporters of the Independent Candidate into this growing movement for a better Tsholotsho.”
Mlingo said the endorsement went beyond the confines of a local by-election and carried important lessons for opposition politics nationally.
“This endorsement is bigger than a by-election. It is a demonstration that political maturity, dialogue and cooperation can triumph over narrow interests. We call upon opposition leaders, activists and supporters across Zimbabwe to draw inspiration from this example and to place the national interest above partisan calculations,” he said.
“The people of Zimbabwe deserve a united and purposeful alternative. Tsholotsho can teach the nation that unity is not a slogan. It is a strategy for victory and transformation.”
The campaign has since called on members of different political formations, civic organisations, community groups and independent voices to rally behind the ZAPU candidate ahead of the poll.
Ward 10 voters will choose between ZAPU’s Ncube and Zanu PF candidate Simbisai Ndlovu in the by-election.
The by-election was triggered by the dismissal of incumbent councillor Jonathan Ndlovu over allegations of corruption involving CAMPFIRE funds. However, the matter remains before the High Court after Ndlovu and two other councillors challenged the process that led to their removal.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today
Leave a Reply