Rudo Saungweme

The ruling party, Zanu PF launched its by-election campaign programme for Lupane East constituency on Wednesday at Phunyuka Primary School in Lupane.

The by-election was presided over by Matabeleland North provincial Chairperson, Cde Richard Moyo. Moyo urged party members to rally behind party candidate, Mbongeni Dube.

Moyo also commented the Government for coming up with SI 142 of 2019 which abolished multi-currency system. He said that the multi-currency system was causing untold suffering to the ordinary Zimbabweans who could not even afford to buy basic commodities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zanu PF Deputy Commissar, Cde Omega Hungwe applauded party members for coming up with a youthful candidate and urged councillors to rally behind him.

Cde Hungwe urged the loosing candidates present to work together to retain the seat. She praised Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube for reducing domestic debt through improved revenue collection. She added that Government is seized with stabilising the fuel situation.

Cde Hungwe thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa for introducing ZUPCO buses saying soon more ZUPCO buses will be availed to rural areas. She said that Government was in the process of setting people`s shops. Cde Hungwe encouraged war veterans to establish structures saying that they will be incorporated as a wing of the party.

The Lupane East parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Zanu PF`s Sithembile Gumbo on April 15 this year. She polled 7 875 votes, beating Dalumuzi Khumalo of the MDC Alliance who polled 5 791 votes.