Wezhira Munya
Sengezo Tshabangu, a proxy for Zanu PF, caused a global stir when he used President Nelson Chamisa’s image as a party symbol on the ballot paper for the Nkulumane by-election held on December 20, 2025. Tshabangu had previously hijacked the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from President Chamisa, through the help of Zanu PF.
Tshabangu could not use his face why?
In Zimbabwe, there is a widespread belief that only President Chamisa commands a popular vote, has the support of the people, and possesses the capability to defeat ZANU-PF in both harmonized and by-elections. Election data from 2018, 2022, and 2023 consistently indicate that President Chamisa won these elections decisively.
The by-elections, conducted without President Chamisa’s involvement, resulted in a victory for Zanu PF. It is widely acknowledged that Zanu PF stole the presidential elections of 2018 and 2023. Addressing the electoral grievances from 2023 is critical for Zimbabwe’s social and economic development. Under Zanu PF’s rule, the country endures high unemployment, deteriorating healthcare, and escalating education costs.
The decision to use President Chamisa’s picture for Tshabangu’s party symbol in the Nkulumane Constituency by-election raised eyebrows, especially since President Chamisa distanced himself from the CCC almost three years ago.
Zanu PF 2030 enabler Tshabangu’s candidate, Mothusi “Madlela Skhobokobo” Ndlovu, declined to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, attempts to reach Tshabangu were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable.
Political analysts like Killer Zivhu expressed their surprise on social media upon seeing President Chamisa’s face featured on the ballot for Tshabangu’s candidate. Advocate Thabani Mpofu also shared his astonishment that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) allowed the use of President Chamisa’s image on the ballot paper of a party he had left.
Several unnamed lawyers indicated that Tshabangu is exploiting President Chamisa’s image for political gain. They suggested that both Tshabangu and his candidate, Ndlovu, along with the CCC, could face legal repercussions for using President Chamisa’s picture.
Analysts noted that Ndlovu received only 320 votes out of more than 22,000 registered voters in Nkulumane Constituency because many voters mistakenly believed he was President Chamisa’s candidate, despite the fact that President Chamisa did not sponsor any candidate in this election.
Tshabangu’s candidate finished fourth, even losing to Esther Excellia Zitha, the independent candidate and widow of the late MP Desire Moyo, who received 325 votes. Other candidates performed as follows: Rodney Jele, an independent, garnered 745 votes; Zanu PF candidate Freedom Murechu won through alleged rigging and vote-buying; Ethel Sibanda from the MDC T received 23 votes; independent candidate Mbuso Fuzwayo got 121 votes; Vivian Siziba of ZAPU secured 110 votes; EFF candidate Alson Moyo obtained 65 votes; and ZANC candidate Nompilo Ncube Malaba received 18 votes.
The voter turnout for this election was remarkably low, at just 22.7 percent.
Tshabangu reportedly invested heavily in the Nkulumane Constituency campaign, utilizing funds, campaign materials, and even fuel provided by fearful members of parliament and senators worried about potential recall. One unnamed member of parliament noted that the fuel coupons were gathered by CCC Deputy Chief Whip in the Senate, Senator Sam Chapfudza, from Masvingo Urban. Despite this significant investment, Tshabangu’s candidate managed to secure only 320 votes and was number 4.
