-promises boreholes in Sakubva
Tendai Muererwa
Mutare – The race for Mutare Municipality’s Ward 3 seat has gathered momentum as Zanu PF officially launched its by-election campaign at a packed Sakubva Beit Hall, with senior party leaders calling for unity, peaceful campaigning and accelerated development ahead of the August 1 poll.
The Ward 3 seat became vacant following the death of Councillor Tichaenzana Maita, prompting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to proclaim a by-election for Saturday, August 1, 2026.
ZEC Chief Elections Officer Simbarashe Tongayi confirmed that four candidates were successfully nominated to contest the seat: Farai Arutura (Independent), Portia Gwinyai (Zanu PF), Innocent Mandava (Independent) and Edward Mukambura (MDC). Polling will be conducted from 7am to 7pm.
Hundreds of party supporters, senior government officials and Zanu PF leaders gathered at the launch, which was officially presided over by the party’s Deputy National political Commissar, Webster Shamu.
He was welcomed by ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Chairman Tawanda Mukodza, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Adv. Misheck Mugadza, Zanu PF Manicaland Provincial Political Commissar and Makoni South legislator Albert Nyakuedzwa, together with members of parliament, councillors, war veterans, traditional leaders, women’s and youth league members, church representatives and supporters from across the province.
Addressing the gathering, Shamu urged party members to remain united, disciplined and peaceful, saying unity within Zanu PF remains key to sustaining the country’s development agenda under the leadership of President Mnangagwa. He challenged all party structures to intensify grassroots mobilisation and ensure every eligible voter is reached before polling day.
On the issue of informal traders, Shamu said vendors should not be removed from their trading spaces but should instead be allowed to earn an honest living in a lawful and orderly environment. He directed Ward 3 candidate Portia Gwinyai to work with Mugadza in engaging Mutare City Council so that vendors can continue operating without unnecessary disruptions.
He also appealed for members of Mahwindi for ED to be allowed to conduct their activities without interference, describing them as patriotic Zimbabweans supporting both the party and national development while earning an honest livelihood.
Turning to service delivery, Shamu instructed authorities to ensure boreholes are drilled or established in all areas of Ward 3 where water shortages persist before August 1, saying access to clean water must remain a priority.
Speaking at the event Mugadza said President Mnangagwa’s development agenda had translated into tangible economic opportunities for residents, revealing that 4,200 jobs have been created in Mutare, with many of the opportunities centred around Ward 3.
He said companies including Komo United Resins, Quest Motors, Green Market, Mega Market and Wattle Company are currently recruiting, with employment opportunities available to women and youths. Mugadza urged residents to vote for Zanu PF candidate Portia Gwinyai, saying her election would ensure development projects continue in the ward.
The campaign launch followed resolutions by the Zanu PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) to intensify mobilisation ahead of the by-election. Party structures were tasked with reaching every voter before election day.
Providing an update on provincial development, Mugadza said Manicaland harvested 256,000 tonnes of maize, with no hunger recorded across the province, while 16,000 hectares of wheat have been planted. He added that the GMB Timber Mills project is now 90 percent complete, US$16 million has been invested in the rehabilitation of Dorowa Minerals Mine, and construction of the Christmas Pass By-Pass Road has reached 40 percent completion.
