BULAWAYO – Nine candidates successfully filed their nomination papers on Thursday to contest the Nkulumane parliamentary by-election scheduled for December 20. The process opened at 10AM and closed at 4PM at the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo before the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced the duly nominated candidates. The seat fell vacant following the death of Desire Moyo in a car accident on October 10.
The by-election is expected to be one of Bulawayo’s most competitive races in recent years, drawing political veterans, activists, independents and new party entrants. Among the candidates is Esther Auxillia Zitha, the widow of the late MP who is running as an independent. Musician and radio DJ Mothusi Ndlovu, better known as Madlela, filed nomination papers to stand for the Citizens Coalition for Change faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu.
The MDC-T is fielding Ethel Sibanda of MDC-T; Alson Moyo will run for EFF Zimbabwe while Rodney Donovan Jele and Ibetshu LikaZulu secretary general Mbuso Fuzwayo will feature as independents. ZAPU is fielding Vivian Siziba, Freedom Murechu will stand for Zanu PF while Nompilo Ncube Malala is standing for the Zimbabwe African National Congress. Ndlovu — widely known as Madlela Skhobokhobo — arrived at the nomination court accompanied by Tshabangu, drawing attention from supporters and competing party agents.
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Outside the court, Nkulumane residents who had gathered to witness the process expressed mixed expectations. One resident said: “All we want is a responsible leader who will finish the projects started by the late Desire Moyo.” The crowded field could be a boon for Zanu PF which could benefit from a split opposition vote. The contest is already attracting political endorsements.
In an interview after the nomination process, CCC councillor Bruce Moyo – an ally of former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa – publicly endorsed independent candidate Alderman Rodney Jele, urging residents to rally behind him. “We must ensure Nkulumane is returned to its people and to its dignity. We cannot afford to have Zanu PF and the 2030 enablers bully our people,” Moyo said. He added that Jele understood the governance crisis facing Zimbabwe and should be trusted to “preserve and serve the interests of the people of Nkulumane.”
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