Zanu-PF councillor accused of destabilising SDC elections

Tensions flared at a recent Masvingo City full council meeting after serious allegations emerged over alleged political interference in School Development Committee (SDC) elections, with accusations directed at Zanu-PF Ward 10 Councillor Sengerai Manyanga.

Councillor Esther Zishiri told the meeting that disturbances witnessed during SDC elections at Rujeko Primary School in both 2025 and 2026 were orchestrated and financed by Manyanga. She alleged that he mobilised and paid groups of individuals — including allegedly intoxicated youths — to disrupt the electoral process in favour of preferred candidates.

"Let me not expose you Councillor Manyanga for what you do. It is you who organises, sponsors and buses people to disrupt SDC elections," Zishiri reportedly said, accusing him of facilitating the presence of disruptive individuals from Mucheke.

The remarks came after Manyanga demanded a report on the Rujeko Primary SDC elections, where Zanu-PF's preferred candidate, Patience Mapfumo, lost the chairperson position.

Zishiri further claimed that it is widely known that groups are transported to schools such as Rujeko Primary, Ndarama High, and Runyararo Primary to influence SDC elections, with individuals allegedly being paid small sums to participate.

The allegations were met with strong objection from Manyanga, who denied the claims and demanded that Zishiri retract her statements, particularly those referring to him in connection with "drunkards."

The dispute escalated until Mayor Aleck Tabe intervened, urging Zishiri to withdraw the remarks, though she initially resisted.

Sources cited in local reports allege that party supporters are mobilised from areas such as Mucheke, gathered at designated points, and transported to polling venues by buses or kombis, where they are allegedly paid around US$3 to vote.

However, Zanu-PF-aligned Ward 1 candidate Nabioth Magwizi dismissed claims linking him to any voter bussing activities.

In response to the allegations, Manyanga denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims as speculation. He stated that he had no reason to interfere in SDC elections outside his ward.

"Yes I was at Rujeko last year when there were disruptions. I was there because I am a popular councillor who is called to different schools when there are problems," he said.

Despite his denial, he did not directly refute claims that he was present during previous election disturbances.

The exchanges highlight deepening political tensions surrounding SDC elections in Masvingo, with accusations of interference, vote manipulation, and misconduct raising concerns over the integrity of school governance processes in the region.