Vendors celebrate colleague's victory in Bulawayo Ward 1 by-election

BULAWAYO - Vendors in Bulawayo have celebrated the election of fellow trader Mathias Tichaona Tsikira as the new councillor for Ward 1 following his victory in the ward's recent by-election.

Tsikira, who contested on a Zanu-PF ticket, secured 1,590 votes, according to results released by Patriotic Vendors4ED. Independent candidate Shepherd Sithole received 112 votes, while CCC candidate Mduduzi Sibanda garnered 74 votes.

The outcome sparked celebrations among vendors operating in and around Bulawayo's central business district, with Patriotic Vendors4ED describing the victory as a significant milestone for informal traders seeking representation in local government.

Patriotic Vendors4ED national chairman Sawu Jere said vendors had united behind one of their own during the campaign.

"As vendors we are extremely happy about these results. This is a victory of collective effort. During the campaign period we moved as fishers of men, visiting each and every vending bay to encourage our members to vote for our own. The response was overwhelming. The majority of vendors cast their votes. That was excellent," said Jere.

He said the campaign had relied on coordinated mobilisation efforts by the organisation's structures, encouraging vendors to participate in the electoral process.

Jere also commended members of the organisation's national executive for their contribution to Tsikira's campaign.

"May I extend my special thanks to the National Executive team. Cde Lucky 'Tunje' Kapya turned his home studio into a campaign radio station as our jockey, National Media Officer Zone Commander Makhalima was doing the writings on the wall, and the entire national executive committed themselves to stand for our own," he said.

He congratulated Tsikira on his victory and urged him to work diligently in serving residents of Ward 1.

"May God bless you Cde Tsikira as you lead Ward 1 to sail through Vision 2030 and beyond. Congratulations!" said Jere.

Ward 1 covers part of Bulawayo's central business district and is home to a significant number of informal traders, making Tsikira's election particularly noteworthy among the vendor community.

The celebrations come as informal traders continue to play an increasingly prominent role in both Bulawayo's economy and local political landscape.