Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) founder Nelson Chamisa is not backing the candidature of comedian and musician Mothusi Ndlovu also known as Madlela Sikhobokhobo in the Nkulumane by-election, the opposition party’s former Bulawayo provincial spokesperson has said.
Swithern Chirowodza dismissed social media claims suggesting Chamisa had thrown his weight behind the artiste, warning residents against being misled.
The remarks made by Chirowodza come amid social media reports that Chamisa was backing the comedian.
He said Nkulumane residents must be careful and not be hoodwinked by false claims.
“Nkulumane should not be hoodwinked by social media falsely claiming Nelson Chamisa is backing the candidature of Ndlovu aka Madlela Sikhobokhobo,” he said.
“Chamisa long resigned from the CCC now captured by Sengezo Tshabangu, which backs [President Emmerson] Mnangagwa and does Zanu PF Lacoste faction's bidding.”
Nine candidates successfully filed their nomination papers on November 20 to contest in the Nkulumane constituency by-election scheduled for December 20.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Desire Moyo in a car accident on October 10.
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The by-election is expected to be one of Bulawayo’s most competitive races in recent years, drawing political veterans, activists, independents and party entrants.
Among the candidates is Esther Auxillia Zitha, the widow of the late MP who is running as an independent, musician and comedian Ndlovu fielded by Tshabangu CCC, while Ethel Sibanda is standing for the MDC-T.
Other candidates include Alson Moyo of EFF Zimbabwe, Rodney Donovan Jele being supported by former CCC members who rally behind Chamisa and Ibetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo contesting as an independent.
CCC councillor Bruce Moyo — an ally of Chamisa recently publicly endorsed Jele and urged residents to rally behind him.
“We must ensure Nkulumane is returned to its people and to its dignity. We cannot afford to have Zanu PF and the 2030 enablers bully our people,” Moyo told journalists.
He said Jele understood the governance crisis facing Zimbabwe and should be trusted to preserve and serve the interests of the people of Nkulumane.
Jele, a former ward 22 councillor, is considered one of the strongest candidates in the race and has previously enjoyed significant support in parts of the constituency.
Zapu is represented by will be Vivian Siziba, Zanu PF by Freedom Murechu, while Nompilo Ncube Malala is standing for the Zimbabwe African National Congress.
The by-election campaign officially opens next week, with candidates expected to engage in door-to-door mobilisation in the opposition stronghold.
Tshabangu told journalists after the nomination court that his party was taking the axe to the people, referring to Ndlovu who acts comedy while carrying an axe.
He said the late Moyo had been an artist and his party saw it fit to replace him with another artist. Tshabangu criticised Zitha for contesting soon after her husband’s death, saying she should have given herself time to mourn.
