Zanu-PF youths court businesswoman to run for Parly seat

A GROUP of Zanu-PF members in Chikomba East at the weekend reportedly approached businesswoman, Sekai Nzenza, to represent them in the forthcoming elections.

The constituency is currently being held by former Tourism minister Edgar Mbwembwe, who was part of former President Robert Mugabe's trusted lieutenants.

Apart from Nzenza, a sister to late diplomat, Charity Nzenza, Mbwembwe is likely to square off with Forbes Chikobvu, who is reportedly interested in contesting the Zanu-PF primary elections.

Both Nzenza and Chikobvu have been doing developmental projects in the poverty-stricken Chikomba for almost a decade.

NewsDay is reliably informed that some women and youth approached Nzenza at her rural home in Matarutse village to consider contesting in the primary election, to which she agreed.

Nzenza yesterday could neither deny nor confirm that she was interested in the seat.

"A group of party supporters approached me and begged me to consider vying for the seat, but I told them that I have no money to campaign. However, they told me that they will do that on foot and by themselves. This is not the first time they have asked me, this is the third time" she said.

Nzenza and Chikobvu's organisations have been rehabilitating schools, supporting orphans and widows, as well as establishing empowerment projects in Chikomba East.

Meanwhile, Goromonzi South is expected to record the highest number of candidates in Mashonaland East, with reports that about 80 party members were interested in contesting the seat.

Goromonzi South is currently under Labour and Social Welfare minister Petronella Kagonye.

According to a top provincial party official who refused to be named, the seat is expected to attract more candidates given its proximity to urban centres, as well as diversified settlements.

Those reportedly eyeing the seat include businesswoman, Sharon Mugabe, Sithembile Makamba, businessman Phillip Kwenda, Oswald Gwanzura, national youth executive member, Tonderai Bosha, Eugene Makore, Memory Kamoto and Nkosana Mthunzi, among others.

Zanu-PF party is reportedly looking for a strong candidate for the Marondera Central seat, as incumbent legislator, Lawrence Katsiru is currently facing disciplinary action for being aligned to the ousted G40 cabal.

Educationist, Cleopas Kundiona is one of the aspiring candidates, with the party reportedly mulling on pushing women's league executive member and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Charity Manyeruke to contest.