ZANU PF Bulawayo province has sent out a begging bowl to city firms to bankroll its June 10 by-elections campaign in five constituencies. BY LUYANDUHLOBO MAKWATI
The party is seeking financial donations from various companies in Bulawayo that are also struggling in the current harsh economic environment.
Documents seen by Southern Eye indicated that the party’s provincial executive was appealing for donations for five constituencies where by- elections will be held.
A letter dated May 5 addressed to one of the firms and signed by acting provincial chairman Dennis Ndlovu said the donations would bankroll campaign rallies.
“We would like to make an appeal for donations for our rallies for the forthcoming by-elections,” read part of the letter.
“Your donation will go a long way in making our programmes a success and you will be properly acknowledged with thanks.”
The letter does not indicate the amount required and it was not immediately clear how many letters had been dispatched to companies.
However, an official at one of the targeted firms said they were not able to donate to Zanu PF because over the last three months the party had been demanding various donations that ranged from $350 to $10 000.
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One of the company directors who declined to be named said the latest request came barely two weeks after they assisted the party with money to host its delegates for the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
“We are in business and they (Zanu PF) come to us time and again,” he said.
“Two weeks ago they were asking for money so that we could pay for their delegates who were coming for ZITF and now they are saying they need money for by-elections.”
Another letter seen by Southern Eye showed that the Zanu PF youth league approached companies seeking donations to bankroll the party’s maiden appearance at ZITF.
“As Zanu PF youth league we once again come to your good office asking for a donation of $345 to cater for our delegates from Harare who are coming for the ZITF,” the letter in our possession read.
“These delegates consist of four advance team of the youth league national executive members who will arrive on Sunday April 26. We always appreciate your helping hand.”
Zanu PF is targeting its first election victory in Bulawayo since the formation of the MDC in 1999 after the main opposition parties boycotted the upcoming polls demanding electoral reforms.
The polls will, however, not be an easy walk in the park for the ruling party after a string of independent candidates and opposition parties led by Zapu fielded candidates in all the constituencies.
An average of six candidates were nominated in each of the five constituencies that fell vacant after 21 MDC Renewal Team MPs were recalled from Parliament.
Luveve, Makokoba, Pumula, Mpopoma-Pelandaba and Lobengula-Magwegwe will be up for grabs during the June 10 polls.
