BINDURA – Within days of launching his entry into Zimbabwean political campaign trail, Saviour Kasukuwere, an independent presidential candidate, has gained ground in Mashonaland Central, particularly in Mount Darwin, his hometown.
Two independent candidates have already filed their nomination papers for Mount Darwin South and East, and Kasukuwere’s team is said to be actively campaigning in the area.
There is a belief that Kasukuwere’s popularity in Mount Darwin may pose a challenge to the ruling ZANU-PF party, which considers the region its stronghold.
In related news, Zivanai Peter Musamhu, a ZANU-PF District Coordinating Committee member for Mount Darwin South, resigned from the party and declared his intention to run as an independent candidate due to dissatisfaction with the chaotic party primary elections.
Kasukuwere announced his plans to return to Zimbabwe and campaign ahead of the general elections scheduled for August 23.
He has been in exile in South Africa since 2018, and a press conference held in South Africa on Thursday, Kasukuwere expressed his intention to seek protection from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) against potential retribution from Zimbabwean authorities.
He is a former youth minister and local government minister, filed his nomination papers for the upcoming general elections and plans to return to Zimbabwe to campaign.
He revealed that he had booked a flight to Harare as a decoy to gauge the authorities’ response, citing security concerns.
Kasukuwere emphasized the importance of allowing all candidates to campaign freely and not weaponizing institutions against opponents.
He expressed his hope for a smooth and uncontested election, aiming for national unity and international reintegration. Kasukuwere indicated that he would take necessary precautions for his own safety upon his return and highlighted the significance of SADC’s monitoring teams to ensure the protection of all contestants.
He announced plans to hire buses to transport Zimbabweans from South Africa to vote in the elections, and he mentioned creating a database of Zimbabweans to incorporate their ideas in jump-starting the economy.
Kasukuwere also pledged to address past atrocities, such as the Gukurahundi violence in the Matabeleland region and outlined his promises regarding employment, state institution reforms, economic growth, and anti-corruption measures.
Walter Mzembi, a former tourism and foreign minister, is supporting Kasukuwere’s campaign and is referred to as his running mate.
