Staff Writer
The Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) has noted with concern attempts by ZANU PF to buy votes and politicise traditional chiefs ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.
In August 2022, the former Minister of State Security Owen Mudha Ncube donated 50 bags of cement, soccer balls and flags to Chief Nemangwe.
Chief Njelele was also given a beast, soccer balls and flags whilst the wife of chief Nemangwe was given 200 chicks as a start-up project.
At the same occasion, Chief Nemangwe was seen putting on a ZANU PF cap.
Mr. David Jamali, who is the Chairperson of ACT-SA urged leaders to rise to power on merit and good leadership qualities and desist from brazen vote buying.
“Genuine leaders should not buy votes. People should vote for them because of their leadership qualities and not based on how much goodies they give. The electorate should also learn from the past.”
“These leaders only give donations when they are seeking re-election. After winning they disappear,” he said.
Mr. Jamali also decried the politicisation of traditional leaders.
“I was shocked to see Chief Nemangwe putting on a ZANU PF cap. This is embarrassing. The Constitution forbids traditional leaders to participate in politics,” he added.
ACT-SA urged the electorate to guard against being bought.
Similarly, politicians are warned against engaging in electoral corruption.
Ahead of the March 26 by elections, President Mnangagwa visited Chitungwiza and hired companies to drill boreholes during a campaign rally.
The vehicles of the companies that drilled the boreholes had campaign materials for Zanu PF.
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