Harare Post Reporters
In a strategic move aimed at securing victory in the forthcoming by-elections, Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi is set to address a mobilisation rally today in the hotly contested Pelandaba-Tshabalala constituency in Bulawayo.
The focus of the rally is to drum up support for the ZANU PF candidate, Cde. Joseph Tshuma.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, Cde Tshuma said that the significance of VP Mohadi's visit lies not only in rallying the party faithful but also in signalling a serious intent to reclaim a constituency that was once firmly in the hands of the opposition.
“We are ready to host VP Mohadi today. His coming to the constituency will be a game changer, as many people are voicing their dissatisfaction with the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) as it has failed to meet the expectations of the constituents, leaving them disillusioned and yearning for real change and development,” said Cde Tshuma.
Cde Tshuma exuded confidence as he affirmed his belief in a victory, emphasising that the recent by-elections reflected a noticeable shift in the sentiments of the people of Bulawayo.
According to him, there was a palpable eagerness among the constituents to rectify the errors of the August 2023 elections.
Cde Tshuma confidently asserted, “The people have witnessed that ZANU PF is the only Party genuinely aligned with their interests. The upcoming by-elections are an opportunity to set things right and choose a path that prioritises the aspirations of our community. I therefore urge everyone in the Pelandaba-Tshabalala constituency to attend today’s rally,” added Cde Tshuma.
Locals who spoke to this publication regretted previously voting for a CCC candidate in the August 2023 elections and said that they would not repeat the mistake.
"The CCC has let us down, and we are ready for a fresh start. Vice President Kembo Mohadi's visit gives us hope that things can be different and that our voices will be heard," remarks Jabulani Ndlovu.
There is also a palpable eagerness among the residents to actively participate in the democratic process. Ndlovu, a respected community leader, expressed his optimism, viewing the upcoming elections as an opportunity to choose representatives who genuinely understand and prioritise their needs.
"The upcoming by-elections are a chance for us to shape our future. We want leaders who are accountable and committed to the well-being of our community. This time we will not remain in the houses, but we will go out to cast our votes,” added Ndlovu.
Political analyst Calvin Chitsunge said that VP Mohadi's visit to Pelandaba-Tshabalala was a pivotal moment that could usher in the positive transformation the constituents have been yearning for.
“The rally is not merely a political event; it represents a beacon of hope for a community on the cusp of change, eager to redefine its destiny through active participation in the democratic process. As the rally unfolds, the stage is set for a potential game-changer where the voice of the people may resonate louder than ever before,” said Chitsunge.
Meanwhile, the ZANU PF National Political Commissar (NPC), Cde Mike Bimha, was in Bulawayo last week, drumming up support for Cde Tshuma. He also urged the Pelandaba-Tshabalala residents to correct their past mistakes by voting for a ZANU PF candidate.
