Zanu-PF confident of retaining Gutu East seat

ZANU-PF says it is confident of retaining the Gutu East parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-election, set for Saturday, June 14, pointing to a track record of development projects under the party's leadership as its campaign cornerstone.

The ruling party's National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, led a high-profile rally at Kurai Primary School in the Munyikwa area on Monday, mobilising support for ZANU-PF candidate Zvarevashe Masvingise. Addressing a large gathering of party supporters, Machacha said the party's development-oriented approach, championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is resonating with communities.

"As a party, we are satisfied with the current environment here in Gutu East. It shows that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's programmes are making an impact in communities. Now we urge you to come out in your numbers on June 14 to vote for our party's candidate," Machacha said.

ZANU-PF leaders present at the rally echoed the sentiment, crediting the President's ongoing infrastructure, agriculture, education, and ICT initiatives for transforming rural livelihoods.

"President Mnangagwa's vision is to empower communities and achieve self-sustenance. The journey requires unity and participation. Let us continue supporting all government programmes," said Central Committee member and Mines Minister Honourable Winston Chitando.

The Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dingumuzi Phuthi, also addressed the gathering, outlining plans to extend digital infrastructure to rural schools.

"Our mission is to ensure every school has computers and internet access. We are rolling out network infrastructure to close the gap between rural and urban areas," said Phuthi.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said the province was already benefiting from pro-people policies, highlighting projects under the devolution programme.

"Access to healthcare, improved education infrastructure, borehole drilling, and ICT development are now a reality in many parts of Gutu. These are clear results of the President's development thrust," Chadzamira said.

Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa added that party unity and the strong turnout at rallies were indications of ZANU-PF's stronghold in the constituency.

Zvarevashe Masvingise, the ZANU-PF candidate, spoke of initiatives already underway in Gutu East aimed at improving agricultural productivity and market access.

"We've engaged ZimTrade to assist with horticulture and livestock markets and signed an agreement with Great Zimbabwe University to supply traditional grains. These efforts are part of our broader vision to uplift the livelihoods of our people," said Masvingise.

The rally also included the official handover of computers to Kurai Primary School, sewing machines for women's empowerment groups, and a revolving fund to support community-based start-up projects.

The Gutu East by-election features three candidates: ZANU-PF's Masvingise, independent candidate Gift Gonese, and Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). The seat became vacant following the recall of the previous CCC MP.

Polling will take place this Saturday, with ZANU-PF hoping to ride a wave of support anchored in its development agenda.