Gibson Hwende
CHIREDZI – Stiffer competition in the elections have seen Zanu PF losing four seats in Chiredzi Town Council; three to the MDC Alliance and one to an independent candidate, meaning the ruling party now has less influence in council than before.
The stalemate may see Zanu PF leveraging its vast economic influence to secure the support of the new Ward 3 independent councillor, Ropafadzo Makumire, in council.
The 25-years-old Makumire stunned many by defeating Zanu PF’s seating councillor, Tarusenga Makamba, who was widely tipped as the favourite.
The other strong candidate in the ward was the MDC Alliance’s Phillip Chingini.
Three incumbent councillors retained their seats; MDC Alliance’s Gibson Hwende (Ward 1), Zanu PF’s Obert Ngwenya and Blessing Muzinyati; Ward 2 and Ward 5 respectively.
MDC Alliance’s Mushingashari Musingashari defeated Costen Mombe of Zanu PF in Ward 6 while the opposition coalition’s Rodgers Chikonye took Ward 7.
Zanu PF’s Liberty Macharaga and Josphat Nzombe won Ward 4 and Ward 8 respectively.
