A ‘bussed’ crowd repeatedly disrupted Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Mothusi “Madlela” Ndlovu during the Meet Your Candidates debate in Nkulumane on Wednesday, throwing him off balance and derailing his presentation as he attempted to outline his leadership credentials. The debate on Wednesday held at Nkulumane Hall and organised by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) in collaboration with the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), Election Resource Centre (ERC) and the Nkulumane Constituency Development Committee, drew a packed and highly charged audience that exposed raw tensions and divisive tactics. Ndlovu, representing the CCC now led by Sengezo Tshabangu, struggled to deliver his points as a section of the crowd heckled, booed and hurled questions aimed at discrediting him.
Tensions escalated when one attendee loudly demanded to know where in Nkulumane he lived. Visibly irritated, Madlela said some in the audience were transported to the hall specifically to disrupt him. “Go and check on the voters’ roll where I stay,” he shot back.
“Let me ask you as well, of all these candidates here, no one sleeps in Nkulumane. I am telling you, you are being lied to but I came here knowing it would be like this. Some of you were bussed here, it’s ok, stay there in your lanes.
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Let me tell you the truth, let’s be truthful whether you agree or not, this is time for truth, we are not stopping, I will stand for the truth.” The disruptions also intensified when Madlela was asked about his leadership and public office experience. “Leadership does not mean you only lead in politics…,” he said but before he could complete his response, hecklers again shouted him down. “… the moment I open my mouth they disrupt” as he requested protection from the master of ceremonies.
Madlela insisted he has a long record of leadership outside politics. “Someone who leads an NGO is a leader. I lead in the arts sector.
I have been a leader from the age of 16. Not knowing someone doesn’t mean they cannot lead,” said the CCC hopeful.
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