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Nqobile Tshili

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HE is arguably the youngest Zanu-PF aspiring National Assembly member ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections but is confident of turning the tables to garner victory for the ruling party in Hwange East Constituency, Matabeleland North province.

Cde Alois Sikuka (29) believes the party’s victory against the opposition is certain given the Second Republic’s transformative development and progressive economic policies, which he says will end the loss suffered since 2008 elections. 

Born in Jambezi, the young politician was initially reluctant to contest in this year’s polls as he was comfortable in doing philanthropic work while managing his business.

Since 2016 he has been involved in various projects to assist the less privileged including paying school fees for vulnerable learners, donating textbooks to schools and facilitating free medical outreach programmes for the elderly.

A holder of a law degree from University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom (UK), and a Masters’ Degree in Intellectual Property, Cde Sikuka said the New Dispensation has championed economic transformation in the country, which has inspired him to take up politics to advance his community’s interests.

He made reference to massive development projects in Matabeleland North, the Government’s engagement and re-engagement policies, high-yield farm production, and the inclusive development approach, among others, as some of the top-impact interventions by President Mnangagwa’s government.

Cde Sikuka said the devolution policy has enabled citizens to be actively involved in grass-root development, which ensures that “no one and no place is left behind” in terms of development.

“The opposition has been winning in Hwange East since 2008. But I believe this time the situation is different. Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, people feel they have been heard, people feel they have been listened to and people feel they have been loved,” he said.

“While there might have been issues of concern in the past, the real game changer is the Second Republic, which has made a firm commitment towards transforming the lives of the people. So, I believe as a party we are going to win the constituency.”

Cde Sikuka said President Mnangagwa’s leadership has given confidence to young people to participate in economic activities with rewards being given to those who excel.

He said the inclusive approach that President Mnangagwa has exhibited at Government level extends even politically hence so many aspiring candidates were allowed to contest in Zanu PF primary elections.

“It’s basically the signature of the Second Republic in the sense that it is promoting youths to various positions. It also indicates the values and principles of our great leader, His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” said Cde Sikuka. 

“He is instilling a lot of belief, a lot of confidence, and a lot of understanding of young people.”

He said the confidence that the President has shown in the youth is what could have propelled him to win the Zanu-PF primary elections. As a result, he said even his community has confidence that young people can deliver hence their decision to select him to participate in the polls.

“Beyond that, I greatly appreciate the support that I have received from the elders in my community who have trusted me to represent them after contesting against six other candidates,” said Cde Sikuka. 

“Initially, I didn’t intend to go for the position but it was the community who engaged me to stand for the MP position.”

The youthful politician is also a businessman with interest in transport and logistics sectors. He is also Matabeleland North Provincial secretary for transport and welfare in the Zanu-PF Youth League.

Cde Sikuka said while none of his family members has sought public office, they are supportive of his candidature.

He said the party’s organisational structure enables it to communicate its messages easily to the electorate hence it is easy to defend its policies. 

“I am a staunch believer of the Zanu-PF empowerment policies. The policies are well structured and they speak to the needs of the people,” said Cde Sikuka. -@nqotshili