The Sunday Mail
Several prominent Zimbabweans — including business leaders and sportsmen — are lining up to represent Zanu-PF in 17 parliamentary by-elections slated for May and June 2015, highlighting the ruling party’s wide appeal.
The elections were occasioned by the recall of MDC-T legislators from the National Assembly after they formed their own party, and the expulsion of parliamentarians ex-Presidential Affairs Minister Didymus Mutasa and his nephew, Temba Mliswa, from Zanu-PF.
Eleven polls take place on June 10 in Harare (six) and Bulawayo (five); and the remainder in Mbizo (Midlands), Tsholotsho North (Matabelaland North), Hurungwe West (Mashonaland West) as well as Headlands and Chikanga-Dangamvura (Manicaland). The Wedza North (Mashonaland East) by-election is on May 15.
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has already been unanimously endorsed to represent Zanu-PF in Tsholotsho North.
And on Good Friday, businessman and Zanu-PF Mashonaland West vice chair Cde Keith Guzah won the ticket to represent the party in Hurungwe West.
Headlands will hold its primary today, with Cdes Tinaye Chigudu, Sheila Mahere, Chris Chingosho, Elizabeth Mukungatu and William Taurai Chiripamberi squaring off.
Zanu-PF Harare chair Cde Goodwills Masimirembwa told The Sunday Mail there was huge interest in the six by-elections in the capital, and several prominent characters had submitted their curriculum vitaes for consideration.
The list includes former Allied Bank chief executive Mr Terry Makhupe (Harare East), boxing promoter Cde Stalin Mau Mau, former model Cde Betty Kaseke (Kuwadzana), Zanu-PF’s deputy director of information and publicity Cde Psychology Maziwisa, and Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Omega Hungwe.
Cdes Milton Chamiwa, Chris Chuchu, Justice Zvandasara and Margaret Sithole are all eyeing Harare East; while in Dzivaresekwa, Cdes Never Goho, Francis Chanduru, George Chimhini, William Mushipe, Simba Moyo and Tichaona Kapfundo have thrown their hats into the ring.
In Kambuzuma, Cdes Tinashe Maduza, Dr Samuel Mvurure, Tinashe Handitye and Fanuel Chinyowa have expressed interest; while Cde Kaseke hopes to upstage Cdes Joseph Kabezo and Llyod Makuwe in the Kuwadzana primary.
The candidates for Glen View South are Cdes Doubt Mhike, Edmore Manasa, Piers Madziva, Tawanda Musengi, Gladys Muvuti, Musafare Muchemwa and Claudius Mtongwizo.
In Harare West, Cdes Emmanuel Juta, Regis Magura, Psychology Maziwisa, Alexander Makafi and Nobert Chikumbo are angling to represent the party.
Cde Masimirembwa said: “The submission of candidates’ CVs is in progress, and so far the response has been overwhelming. We will meet as the Provincial Electoral Directorate (on Tuesday) to vet those who have submitted CVs.”
Zanu-PF Bulawayo chair Cde Chris Dube said his province would screen candidates this week.
“The CVs are coming in huge numbers; we are still receiving them. We will meet for vetting, but as of now, I cannot release the names of candidates.”
