Sakupwanya buys votes with bag of maize meal, flour and loaf of bread

Supporters of Zanu-PF who attended a rally for party candidate Pedzai Sakupwanya in the Mabvuku-Tafara constituency received a 10kg bag of maize meal, a 2kg packet of flour, and a loaf of bread, two days before the gold miner entered the parliamentary race. A queue, comprising the elderly, schoolchildren, and youths, extended around Mabvuku Stadium, showing residents' unwavering hope despite the heat and congestion at entry points. Three trucks loaded with goods were delivered to the stadium, ensuring that everyone present would receive a share.

Sakupwanya, a former Harare Councillor, aims to secure a place in Parliament after losing to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi in the August General Elections. Attendees, seated beside their small hampers, praised Sakupwanya for his efforts, with many assuming he had won uncontested due to a High Court judgment barring recalled CCC MPs from re-entering the race on the party's ticket. Zanu-PF Treasurer Patrick Chinamasa clarified the situation later.

In the VIP tent, Zanu-PF leaders, including Godwills Masimirembwa, who unsuccessfully sought to represent the constituency in Parliament, were present. Attendees expressed happiness for Sakupwanya's victory, with some hoping he would not forget about them once in Parliament. The confusion arose from the High Court judgment, but Chinamasa assured supporters that the internal issues of the CCC did not concern them, urging them to focus on winning the upcoming election on Saturday.