Nkulumane by-election gains momentum as former MP’s Chief of Staff joins the race
Godwin Tshuma
BULAWAYO – The Nkulumane Constituency heads to a by-election on December 20, 2025, following the death of MP Desire Moyo, and the contest has drawn significant attention with the entry of Khumbulani Malinga, the late lawmaker’s former Chief of Staff.
His candidacy has quickly reshaped the political landscape, tapping into the goodwill and loyalty Moyo built over his tenure.
Malinga worked closely with the late MP on several community programmes, and he has framed his bid as a continuation of that work. Addressing supporters, he said, “Even though he is gone, the vision remains our mandate.” He added another message tied to the social programmes he coordinated under Moyo’s office: “We are well taken care of orphans, and we are here to finish the work.”
The ballot, however, is far from straightforward. Freedom Murechu, representing ZANU PF, is expected to run on development promises. Mbuso Fuzwayo of Ibhetshu LikaZulu brings a regional advocacy perspective, while the entry of Moyo’s widow introduces a strong emotional and symbolic dimension to the race to the contest already split across multiple political and sentimental lines.
Malinga has placed Localised Economic Empowerment at the centre of his platform, arguing that Nkulumane’s underutilised public infrastructure can be turned into engines of economic activity. He has repeatedly spoken about transforming Youth Centres and Post Offices into functioning District Business Units that can support digital services, skills training, small manufacturing, and e-commerce fulfilment. The ambitious idea, he says, is to “generate at least 200 jobs for youths”, reduce transport costs, and root opportunities within the community itself.
Speaking on the stalled facilities, Malinga told residents, “Our infrastructure is sleeping. We will wake up our Youth Centres and turn them into training hubs and workshops. We will use our Post Offices as digital centres and e-commerce fulfilment points.” He described the plan as a shift from short-term development promises to a structural model intended to keep money circulating within Nkulumane.
As campaigning intensifies, voters are weighing how best to honour Moyo’s legacy while also addressing constituency challenges . Whether Malinga’s insider understanding of the late MP’s programmes gives him an advantage, or whether the fractured field redirects support toward other candidates, will only become clear as the December 20 by-election approaches.
