ZAPU says it is using the forthcoming by-elections in Bulawayo to prepare for the crucial 2018 general elections.
BY NQOBILE BHEBHE
The party led by Dumiso Dabengwa is fielding five candidates in the June 10 by-elections.
Provincial executive committee chairperson Gibson Sibanda said the by-elections would be used to measure the party’s growth.
“The significance of winning the five seats cannot be over-emphasised as they will be used as a benchmark to judge the relevance of the party in the political landscape of Zimbabwe,” said Sibanda while presenting the candidates to the party’s national executive committee.
“The party is assured of support in the 2018 general elections from South Africa-based sponsors if the candidates win the by-elections,” he added
The by-election candidates are Bathandi Mpofu in Pumula, Strike Mnkandla (Pelandaba-Mpopoma), Amon Nyamambi Dube (Luveve), Jonathan Ndlovu (Makokoba) and Casper Sibanda in Lobengula-Magwegwe.
In 2013, Zapu — which has been plagued by financial problems—reportedly resorted to selling copies of its manifesto to try and raise funds for its campaign programmes.
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The manifestos were sold at $1 for two.
At one point, the party begged its supporters to pay their monthly subscriptions to save it from collapse.
However, Zapu recently opened offices in Bulawayo after years of operating from the “wilderness”.
The opening of the new offices at corner Connaught Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street came after the party was forced to shut down its headquarters following a High Court ruling three years ago.
The opposition party was evicted over a $15 000 debt owed to Edson Chemhere Mabudapasi, the owner for the premises they were renting.
