SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO-There will be blood on the political dance floor as heavy weights in the volatile Masvingo District are set to battle against each other in the revolutionary party primary elections penciled for this Saturday.
A total of 22 candidates submitted their CVs for vetting in Harare from Masvingo District for the four constituencies.
Masvingo West incumbent and shrewd politician who is also Minister of State for Masvingo Province and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira is being challenged by two Charumbiras, Canada based Regis Vusango and Brian Charumbira as well as one Toddy Nyengerai.
Perennial Masvingo West challenger, Rodreck Mumbire said he was caught unaware and had little time to prepare a strong challenge hence he is not taking part in the primary elections, but will be available in 2028.
Seven candidates are vying to represent the ruling party in Masvingo North including Masvingo Provincial Golf Union immediate past president, Pascal Mudzikisi who put up a strong challenge when he contested as an independent in 2018 but lost to incumbent Minister of State in the President’s Office and Cabinet for Special Agriculture Projects, Davis Marapira who has since switched to Zaka.
The other candidates are Masvingo Rural District Council chairman, Albert Mangena, son of late transport mogul, Tanda Tavaruva, Emmanuel Tavaruva (Mhunga) and four other candidates identified as Vengai, Nehuya, Nyari and Mudhuri.
In Masvingo Urban former late strongman Mugabe loyalist, James Pande of the famous overalls will square off against land developer and incumbent Masvingo City Deputy Mayor, Cllr Wellington Mawende.
In Masvingo Central big names will fall by the wayside as only one person must image winner with the mouth-watering battle featuring war veteran and 2018 Masvingo Urban losing candidate Benjamin Mazarire, incumbent provincial council member, Phainos Makwarimba, veteran politician and famous hotelier, Edison Junior Zvobgo, Jephison Chikovo, one Mutati and Nhindire.
In the gold rich Masvingo South Constituency there is Maushe Mutetepi, Mukomberi T, incumbent soft-spoken Claudius Maronge and Chidhaura.
The final list of approved candidates is expected back from Harare tomorrow.
