Zanu-PF-backed candidate booted out as SDC chairperson

A Zanu-PF-backed candidate, Patience Mapfumo, was dramatically voted out as chairperson of the Rujeko Primary School Development Committee (SDC) on Saturday, amid loud booing and jeering from parents who attended the elections.

Mapfumo and her entire committee were removed from office in the poll held at Rujeko Primary School. Witnesses said she left the premises before results were officially announced after it became apparent that the vote was not going in her favour.

The election was marred by allegations of irregularities. Councillor Esnath Zishiri recently accused Zanu-PF Ward 10 councillor Sengerai Manyanga of bussing people from other suburbs to support Mapfumo in an attempt to influence the outcome. Manyanga denied the allegations during a Masvingo City full council meeting.

Parents at the school alleged that more than 100 individuals were transported from Mucheke to vote but were prevented from entering the school grounds after failing to provide details of children enrolled at Rujeko Primary. Those denied entry were reportedly asked to state the names of their children, their teachers and class levels, but could not do so.

Two women who claimed to be members of the Central Intelligence Organisation were also reportedly present at the school and allegedly confronted parents on Mapfumo's behalf. The claims could not be independently verified.

In the final tally, Mapfumo finished in sixth place with 31 votes. Clemence Muzondo was elected the new SDC chairperson after securing 120 votes. Other candidates who polled strongly were Ruth Mujeuri (95 votes), Dhemba (91), Vandirai Chipunza (90), Chirambamurivo Chirambamurivo (73) and Prosper Dendere (50). Outgoing secretary Wisdom Matanga received six votes.

This is not the first time Mapfumo's involvement in SDC elections has sparked controversy. Last year, elections at the same school were reportedly characterised by clashes between parents and police after allegations that Zanu-PF supporters, including youths from Mucheke, had been mobilised to back her candidacy.

Mapfumo was also previously involved in a legal dispute in which she sued a parent, Joshua Mboko, for US$15 000 in a defamation case. The matter was dismissed by the court.

One parent said stricter verification measures were implemented this year to safeguard the integrity of the vote.

"Parents demanded class registers at the gate. In earlier elections we used stamped notices, and she could print as many as she wanted and distribute them among her hired people. At least 100 of her supporters were denied entry into the school premises last week because they do not have children at the school," said the parent.

Efforts to obtain comment from Mapfumo were unsuccessful as her phone went unanswered.