By Centre News Reporter

The outgoing Mayor for the City of Masvingo, Collen Make, has acknowledged the electorate in Masvingo for coming out in their numbers to cast their vote on Election Day.

Maboke who was contesting as an Independent candidate lost his bid to represent Masvingo urban constituency in Parliament during the August 23 plebiscite.

However, he is holding his head up high despite the loss.

“I have no regrets. People who voted for me are testimony that I performed well despite facing many challenges along the way. I braved unfavorable conditions and I believe that the votes I polled are genuine. I would like to thank those that voted and believed in me,” said Maboke.

Maboke polled 1 629 votes, Wellington Mawende of Zanu PF had 6 513 votes, Bonface Mazarire of MDC-T got 294 votes, UZA’s Muneri Smart got 86 votes and the winner ,Martin Mureri, of CCC received 13 042 votes.

He added that he will continue to work for the development of Masvingo.

“My calling is for development. I will strive to work towards developing Masvingo. We need all hands on deck to improve Masvingo without looking at political affiliation,” added Maboke.

Maboke says he is lining up various programs that are meant to complement efforts of reducing drug and substance abuse among youths in Masvingo.

A program meant to cushion the elderly will soon be rolled out.

The political terrain of Zimbabwe hasn’t been favorable to Independent candidates with only Themba Mliswa in Norton and Jonathan Moyo in Tsholotsho, springing surprises in 2018 and 2008 respectively.

However, Mliswa’s second attempt hit a brick wall and he lost to Richard Tsvangirayi in Norton last month.