Provincial Summaries
Bulawayo
Political activities were mostly in Nkulumane, where a by-election was held in the
constituency on 19 December 2015 following the death of former Member of
Parliament (MP) Thamsanqa Mahlangu of the Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC-T). The by-election which was boycotted by the major opposition parties, was
won by Zanu-PF against Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe and Renewal
Democrats of Zimbabwe. Only about 3000 people voted out of 32000 registered
voters.
Intra-party conflict within Zanu-PF markedly increased as party members jostled for
places to represent the party at the Victoria Falls Conference which was held first
week of December. Tensions were reported within the MDC-T over differences on
whether to join forces with People First.
Highlights:
On 13 December 2015, in Luveve, at the war veterans offices situated at 8742
Old Luveve, John Langa (not real name) was verbally insulted by fellow war
veterans who accused him of having campaigned for opposition party, ZAPU,
during the June by-elections. He was then barred from participating or vying
for office in the organization' s structures or in Zanu-PF .
Harare
There were no major political incidents reported in the Harare metropolitan province
for the month of December. The highlights of the month were demolitions in Budiriro
and Aspindale by the Harare City Council on grounds that the houses were built on
illegal land.
During the period under review there were door-to-door campaigns by the People First
party. It is purported that the youths were mobilising people to join their party and
were holding meetings at night for fear of victimisation by Zanu-PF youths.
Highlights:
On 9 and 10 December 2015, the Harare City Council razed down 250 houses
in Budiriro and Aspindale. Beneath are some of the houses which were
destroyed in Budiriro 3 near High Glen Shopping Centre.
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