Epworth – Zanu PF staged its final campaign rally in Epworth North’s Ward 6 on Thursday, mobilizing thousands of supporters ahead of Saturday’s hotly contested by-election. The ruling party’s candidate, Civilised Bushe, was the focal point of what officials dubbed a “star rally”, with the party claiming to have secured commitments from 8,000 registered voters in the area.
A Show of Strength
Addressing the crowd, Zanu PF Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha framed the large turnout as proof of the party’s dominance.
“This overwhelming support confirms our strength in Ward 6. I urge you to convert this energy into votes on Saturday and deliver a decisive victory,” Machacha declared.
Development Promises Take Center Stage
Machacha outlined several projects allegedly completed in the ward, including:
– 15 solar-powered boreholes drilled to improve water access
– Road rehabilitation initiatives
– Starlink internet installation in local schools
– Laptop distributions to institutions like Kubatana and Chinamano schools
He also emphasized the regularization of informal settlements, aligning it with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
“We are transforming Epworth into a modern, planned settlement,” Machacha asserted.
Provincial Leadership Echoes Call for Unity
Zanu PF Harare Provincial Chairman Godwills Masimirembwa reinforced the message, urging supporters to vote en masse and secure the seat.
“This by-election is not just about Ward 6—it’s about affirming our party’s vision for Zimbabwe,” Masimirembwa said.
Skepticism from Critics
Despite the fanfare, opposition voices and analysts remain unconvinced. Critics argue that Zanu PF’s campaign rhetoric mirrors past pledges made under former President Robert Mugabe, with little tangible change on the ground.
“These promises—boreholes, roads, schools—are recycled election after election. Where is the real development?” questioned a local civil society activist who requested anonymity.
What’s at Stake?
The Epworth North by-election is being closely watched as a litmus test for Zanu PF’s urban support ahead of the 2028 general elections. With opposition parties also vying for the seat, Saturday’s vote could signal shifting political dynamics in Harare’s peri-urban areas.
Why This Matters
– Political Momentum: A Zanu PF win could bolster claims of growing urban support.
– Development vs. Rhetoric: Will promised projects materialize, or is this another empty pledge?
– Opposition Strategy: How will rival parties respond if Zanu PF secures the seat?
The Verdict?
All eyes are on Ward 6 as voters head to the polls this weekend. Will Zanu PF’s mobilization efforts translate into victory, or will skepticism prevail?