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Councillor dumps CCC, to contest Insiza North by-election as independent
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Ward 15 Councillor for Insiza South, Lesley Dube, has officially entered the race for the upcoming Insiza North by-election as an independent candidate, marking a significant political shift in the constituency.
The parliamentary seat became vacant following the passing of Zanu PF legislator Farai Taruvinga, who had represented Insiza North since 2018. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has scheduled the nomination court for May 15, with the by-election set to take place on June 14, 2025.
Dube, who was elected under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) banner in the 2023 harmonised elections, cited internal party challenges as the reason for his decision to run independently.
"Since there have been numerous issues with CCC and the brand is currently struggling, I plan to run as an independent candidate," Dube said in an interview.
He added that the decision came after much contemplation and external encouragement, though it was not made easily.
"I have received advice to stand as an independent, but I'm doing so with a heavy heart. It is my hope that party leaders will eventually sit down and resolve the issues. I would have loved to stand under my party, but the situation on the ground is not conducive."
Dube's campaign is rooted in the work he has done as Ward 15 councillor, where he has earned praise for hands-on leadership and development-focused initiatives.
"I have made the decision to run for MP because I have been doing a lot of good work as a councillor, and my voters are telling me I should do even more," he said.
He believes his experience at ward level has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges affecting the wider Insiza North district.
"I would like to work with fellow councillors in the constituency and help them develop their areas. I want to take that spirit to the constituency and cover all the wards in Insiza North because I've done great work in Ward 15."
If elected, Dube pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, which he described as the constituency's most pressing concern.
"I will be working hard to bring improvements because there are no roads, very few schools and clinics, and the infrastructure is generally poor," he stated.
Dube, who is also a miner based in Filabusi, said he is financially prepared to support his campaign, although he welcomes assistance from supporters.
"I am financially secure because I work as a miner in Filabusi, but I am also open to donations from anyone who wishes to help," he said.
He also expressed a willingness to work with leaders from other political parties, provided they share a commitment to development.
"As long as it involves development, I am willing to collaborate with any Member of Parliament," Dube said.
His entry into the by-election as an independent sets the stage for a dynamic race in Insiza North, as voters weigh experience, local impact, and party loyalties in choosing their next representative.
The parliamentary seat became vacant following the passing of Zanu PF legislator Farai Taruvinga, who had represented Insiza North since 2018. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has scheduled the nomination court for May 15, with the by-election set to take place on June 14, 2025.
Dube, who was elected under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) banner in the 2023 harmonised elections, cited internal party challenges as the reason for his decision to run independently.
"Since there have been numerous issues with CCC and the brand is currently struggling, I plan to run as an independent candidate," Dube said in an interview.
He added that the decision came after much contemplation and external encouragement, though it was not made easily.
"I have received advice to stand as an independent, but I'm doing so with a heavy heart. It is my hope that party leaders will eventually sit down and resolve the issues. I would have loved to stand under my party, but the situation on the ground is not conducive."
Dube's campaign is rooted in the work he has done as Ward 15 councillor, where he has earned praise for hands-on leadership and development-focused initiatives.
"I have made the decision to run for MP because I have been doing a lot of good work as a councillor, and my voters are telling me I should do even more," he said.
He believes his experience at ward level has given him a deeper understanding of the challenges affecting the wider Insiza North district.
"I would like to work with fellow councillors in the constituency and help them develop their areas. I want to take that spirit to the constituency and cover all the wards in Insiza North because I've done great work in Ward 15."
If elected, Dube pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, which he described as the constituency's most pressing concern.
"I will be working hard to bring improvements because there are no roads, very few schools and clinics, and the infrastructure is generally poor," he stated.
Dube, who is also a miner based in Filabusi, said he is financially prepared to support his campaign, although he welcomes assistance from supporters.
"I am financially secure because I work as a miner in Filabusi, but I am also open to donations from anyone who wishes to help," he said.
He also expressed a willingness to work with leaders from other political parties, provided they share a commitment to development.
"As long as it involves development, I am willing to collaborate with any Member of Parliament," Dube said.
His entry into the by-election as an independent sets the stage for a dynamic race in Insiza North, as voters weigh experience, local impact, and party loyalties in choosing their next representative.
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