Cleric Sonny Phiri ventures into politics

BULAWAYO businessman and husband to former Miss Zimbabwe Lorraine Maphala, Sonny Phiri has boldly announced his political aspirations, as he seeks to contest for the Bulawayo South Constituency under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a series of Facebook posts Phiri, who happens to be Nissi Finance chief executive officer, has been campaigning, urging people to register to vote and also to choose their l eaders wisely. “Most people in Bulawayo South are born of parents who have origins from Malawi, Zambia and other countries . . . Part of our values as Zimbabweans is to rid discrimination of any sort including regionalism. It is not necessary to make regional distinctions on our IDs as is the case now. Zimbabweans must seek a common identity of being citizens of one nation and not be identified regionally as this does not promote this aspiration . . . May all those who are affected please start formalising your situation in preparation for the 2018 Elections . . . #Zimbabwe2018Elections #RegisterToVote #BulawayoSouth #SonnyPhiri #MP,” read one of his posts. Bulawayo South constituency comprises neighbourhoods: Montrose, Donnington, Barham Green, Southwold, West Somerton, Newton West, Bellevue, Tshabalala, Tshabalala Extension and Sidojiwe Hostels. Phiri, who is also a cleric, defended his position from people who questioned his involvement in politics, as a man of God. Phiri and his wife were formally introduced to PDP early this year, where they were introduced as members during the Africa Day c e l e b r a t i ons held at the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo. According to a report PDP vicepresident Kucaca Phulu, and party leader Tendai Biti made the couple stand in front of the supporters introducing them.