Nkulumane by-election exposes Bulawayo’s long decline
by MANGALISO TSHUMA
BULAWAYO — ALL eyes are on tomorrow’s pivotal Nkulumane constituency by-election in Bulawayo, a contest fraught with frustration and deep disillusionment over decades of deindustrialisation, corruption, misrule and marginalisation of Bulawayo and entire Matabeleland region.
The seat fell vacant following the death of member of parliament (MP) Desire Moyo in October.
The ruling ZANU-PF has nominated Freedom Murechu, Bulawayo Provincial Youth Chairperson, while the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is fielding Mothusi “Madlela” Ndlovu.
The Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC) candidate is Nompilo Ncube-Malaba, with other contenders including Ethel Sibanda of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), Alson Moyo of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Vivian Siziba of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), and independents Esther Auxilia Zitha and Rodney Donovan Jele.
This contest has become a flashpoint for criticisms of long-standing economic decline in Bulawayo, once Zimbabwe’s industrial heartland.
Residents and opposition figures blame years of corruption, flawed economic policies and systemic marginalisation for shuttered factories, high unemployment and decaying infrastructure.
“Bulawayo’s industries were killed by cronyism and neglect,” says CCC’s Ndlovu. “People here are asking why their tax money does not translate into jobs and development. This election must be about accountability and real economic change.”
ZANC’s Ncube-Malaba echoed these concerns, accusing the ruling elite of ignoring the Ndebele-speaking populace: “For too long, the region has been sidelined while resources are diverted elsewhere. Nkulumane deserves representation that fights for justice and opportunity.”
Independent candidate Jele lambasts what he calls “conditional promises and vote-buying,” highlighting allegations that ZANU-PF is dangling cash, boreholes and revolving funds ahead of polling.
“People want sustainable development, not handouts tied to their vote,” Jele said.
ZANU-PF’s Murechu insists his party represents stability and delivery on infrastructure, youth empowerment and social services.
But critics counter that such pledges fail to address root causes of economic stagnation and political distrust.
Amid tense campaigning, there are reports of intimidation and debate disruptions, raising fears of hostile political climate rather than constructive dialogue.
As Bulawayo braces for voting, voices from across the political spectrum converge on one message: true change must tackle entrenched corruption, revive industry and end marginalisation in one of Zimbabwe’s most historic urban centres.
