Ester Excellia Zitha enters Nkulumane by-election race

Nkulumane constituency heads toward a crucial by-election on December 20 with a new contender carrying both emotional weight and political significance. Ester Excellia Zitha, widow of the late MP Desire Moyo, has announced her candidacy as an independent, pledging to continue the work her husband began before his untimely passing.

Zitha's entry into the race comes after weeks of growing public sympathy and encouragement from residents who viewed Moyo as a hands-on leader dedicated to improving the lives of people in the constituency. Speaking about her decision, she said stepping into politics so soon after her husband's death was never part of her plans, but the overwhelming community support made her reconsider.

"Stepping forward wasn't something I planned," she said. "But when my husband passed, I realised his dreams didn't disappear with him. People kept coming to me, sharing how he had helped them, how he had inspired them, and I felt a powerful conviction: if I didn't step in to safeguard that vision, a lot of what he started could be lost."

Her candidacy brings a strong emotional dimension to what is expected to be a competitive race focused heavily on development and service delivery. Zitha insists her motivation is rooted not in political ambition but in duty and continuity.

"This isn't just politics for me. It's personal. It's love. It's legacy," she said.

A long-time resident of Nkulumane, Zitha says she is deeply familiar with the constituency's challenges and progress, having accompanied her husband during much of his community outreach work. She positions herself not as a newcomer, but as someone embedded in the daily struggles and aspirations of the people.

"I step forward today not as a stranger, but as a mother of this constituency," she said. "My husband's legacy lives here. I am here to serve, to listen, and to protect what we have built."

While committed to preserving Moyo's spirit of unity and participatory leadership, Zitha also offers her own vision. She emphasises open leadership, accessibility and community-driven decision-making. She plans to work closely with established structures such as churches, civic groups and women's organisations - institutions she says residents already trust.

"These are the foundations the late Honourable Moyo built and the ones the community trusts," she said. "My role is not to replace them but to strengthen them."

Zitha argues that the constituency's biggest challenge is the vacuum created by the loss of its representative. She says Nkulumane needs a consistent voice in Parliament to push for improvements in healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure, job creation and community safety.

"Nkulumane needs a voice again," she said. "If elected, I will work to restore effective representation and carry forward his vision with humility and determination."

Balancing her campaign with personal grieving has been difficult, she admits, but she credits her resilience to strong family support. Both her family and her late husband's relatives have provided strength during a turbulent time.

"They have carried me through this period of mourning with love, unity and incredible encouragement," she said. "They keep me grounded and convinced that continuing this journey is a way of honouring his legacy."

As the December 20 by-election approaches, Zitha is appealing to residents for unity and continuity.

"Let us continue the legacy of the late Honourable Desire Moyo together," she said. "I ask for your support, and together we will make Nkulumane proud again."