Former Bulawayo Ward 1 councillor Shepherd Sithole has registered as an independent candidate for the 3 October by-election. Sithole first won the ward in the August 2023 harmonised elections under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). His stint was short-lived. Two months later, he was among 12 Bulawayo councillors who were recalled after Sengezo Tshabangu, […]
Former Bulawayo Ward 1 councillor Shepherd Sithole has registered as an independent candidate for the 3 October by-election.
Sithole first won the ward in the August 2023 harmonised elections under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
His stint was short-lived. Two months later, he was among 12 Bulawayo councillors who were recalled after Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed to be the CCC’s interim secretary-general, wrote to council saying they had ceased to be party members.
He tried to reclaim the seat in the December 2023 by-election as a CCC candidate but lost to ZANU PF’s Josiah Mutangi.
Mutangi has since been removed from office after an independent tribunal found him guilty of misconduct, leaving Ward 1 vacant again.
Sithole is now back, this time without a party.
Speaking to CITE after the Nomination Court sat on Wednesday, he confirmed he will be on the ballot as an independent.
“I am Shepherd Sithole, aspiring candidate, independent candidate for Ward 1. I’ll be contesting on the 3rd of October 2026,” he said.
“The people have sent us. They believe we cannot just let ZANU PF contest on its own with the ZANU PF flag.
“Standing as an independent will be representing the wishes of the people who have put their trust in me, believing that at least this ward deserves someone who can represent them.”
