By Staff Reporter
In a surprise but bold move, Tsungai Mandati, the widow of late CCC Councilor Tafara Masimba, who passed away on July 12, was nominated as one of the five candidates for the Masvingo City Ward 7 by-election scheduled for September 14, 2025.
Mandati successfully filed her candidacy at the nomination court that sat on August at the Civic Centre and her decision comes barely two months after her husband’s passing, sparking debate about the timing of her candidacy.
Many believed she should still be in mourning, but she has seemingly put aside her widow’s weeds (mourning clothes) to pursue a political career and replace her husband as councilor.
Notably, Mandati is the only woman in the race, and if she wins, she will become the second ballot-elected councilor at Masvingo City.
According to sources, other councilors had resolved to recommend Mandati for employment at the council so that she could fend for her family, but that plan could be ruined if she loses the election.
Mandati faces stiff competition from four other candidates, including two other independent candidates Struggle Desire Nyahunda and Prosper Tiringindi as well as Simbarashe Shonhiwa from Zanu PF, and Prosper Mataruse from MDC-T.
However, her chances of winning appear slim, given the lack of support from opposition bigwigs in Masvingo. The local MP, Mayor, and other councilors are reportedly rallying behind Nyahunda who seems to be the favourite with the opposition candidates.
Moreover, her late husband’s legacy doesn’t seem to be a factor that could work in her favor, as he did not leave behind a significant impact that she could leverage.
The presence of several independent candidates could split the vote, potentially handing Zanu PF an easy victory. Nyahunda had stepped aside in 2023, allowing Masimba and Tiringindi to contest the primaries.
However, Tiringindi now has the backing of activists and former Zinasu members including some at national level who are close to former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Many believe that the independent candidates belong to the Chamisa faction but sources suggest that Chamisa distanced himself from the independent candidates to avoid being associated with their potential loss.
