Marondera (New Ziana) – Aspiring ruling Zanu PF candidates who lost in primary elections should rally behind those who were elected to represent the party in the 26 March by-elections to ensure a resounding victory, Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Rtd) said on Sunday.
Addressing thousands of party supporters at a campaign rally held at Rudhaka Stadium today, he urged the party to recruit more members to grow and castigated political violence.
In Mashonaland East, by-elections for vacant parliamentary seats will be held in Marondera Central, Murehwa South, and Marondera East constituencies while ten local authority seats will be held in Marondera, Hwedza, and Murehwa.
“We want to win resoundingly in the by-elections and those who lost in the party primary elections should fully support those who represent us in the by-elections. Unity is key and that is the only way through which we can achieve bigger things as a party and drive economic development.
“It is your duty to persuade those who are in the opposition to join and vote for Zanu PF, the party which has brought economic development in all aspects courtesy of the Second Republic led by President ED Mnangagwa.
“We don’t want violence as it paints a bad picture about our country. As Zimbabweans, we are known as a peaceful nation. Always preach peace and send home the message that Zanu PF is a mother for all Zimbabweans,” he said.
VP Chiwenga highlighted some of the Second Republic’s achievements since assuming office in 2018 including construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure such as roads, dams, bridges, schools, clinics. Anchored on the National Development Strategy-1 (NDS1), economic sectors such as mining and agriculture have been doing well and will help the country achieve Vision 2030 of making Zimbabwe an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.
He said: “There are several projects that have already been completed while there are others that are at different stages of construction. All the projects have been funded by our own resources and that is why President ED Mnangagwa says ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo.’ We do not want to wait for foreign aid. Those who want to help us will come but will see us at an advanced stage of developing our country.
“Devolution funds are being availed to all provinces with the aim being re-building our country. No area should be left behind.”
VP Chiwenga castigated the black market which has been fuelling inflation and said the country will continue to use the local currency.
He said: “We will continue to use the Zimbabwean dollar and I would like to assure you the long arm of the law will catch up with those who are dealing in foreign currency and distorting the market.”
Irregular settlements in Marondera, Seke, and other parts of the province will be regularized and property owners in these areas will be given title deeds.
Senior members who left the opposition to join Zanu PF were paraded, among them, former Harare deputy Mayor Emmanuel Chiroto, former Marondera Mayor Farai Nyandoro, former Ward 8 (Marondera Urban) councilor Carlos Mudzongo, and Tracy Mutinhiri.
New Ziana
