The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
THIS year’s festive season appears promising despite the challenges being caused by the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic.
The payment of bonuses for civil servants in foreign currency and the creation of a facility in which motorists are accessing fuel in local currency has brought massive relief for many.
There are several other positive developments that have boosted the country’s prospects of a more jubilant Christmas. After a muted festive season last year, in which planned events and celebrations were cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, this year promises to be a bit different.
Unlike last year, most people now have an idea of what we are dealing with and how best to win the war against the invisible enemy.
A raft of measures to curb the spread and transmission of the virus have since been implemented by the Government and are bearing fruit.
Covid-19 fatalities have largely been tamed though new infection cases are presently on the rise probably due to the Omicron variant.
Interviews with a cross-section of society revealed that although most people are cautious about how this year’s festive season will pan out, there is a general feeling which is pointing to a more jubilant time.
Mike Dzuda, who lives in Harare’s high-density suburb of Warren Park, said the threats of a fourth coronavirus wave have not dampened his spirits.
“My family is going to soak itself in the festive mood. We have been with Covid-19 for a while now and we have learnt how to live with it. We are going to make merry, but in a responsible way,” Dzuda said.
Motorists are buoyant and pinning their hopes on the facility that will see them access fuel in local currency.
“We will be able to drive to our rural homes since we are accessing cheaper fuel. This is definitely not going to be the festive season that we used to have, but this year will be better than the previous one,” said Maud Zinyoka.
Similarly, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president, Denford Mutashu, is optimistic of a better Christmas this time around.
“The shelves are full with 70 percent of the basic commodities being produced locally. Generally, we have seen the prices of basic commodities being stable especially in United States dollar terms. This year, the festive season will be much better when compared to the other year,” Mutashu said.
“As retailers, we are working closely with Government and other stakeholders in efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. We anticipate Government to allow businesses to be fully operational during the festive season.”
The entertainment industry is also looking forward to a more cheerful festive season.
Moses Madya, who runs a bottle store and nightclub in Harare’s high-density suburb of Kambuzuma, is keeping his fingers crossed.
“My prayer is that the number of Covid-19 cases subsides so that we will be able to operate during the Christmas period. This year, I foresee myself making the long-awaited breakthrough,” Madya said.
It is brisk business for Harare vendors who are cashing in on the civil servants’ increased buying power.
“Business is good. My prayer is that we will continue enjoying this brisk business environment until well after the festive season,” a Harare vendor, who identified himself as Charles, said.
Despite these positive developments, Rosemary Mpofu, the acting executive director of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), advised consumers to avoid impulse buying and act responsibly.
“Civil servants are being paid their bonuses in foreign currency and my advice to them is that they should avoid, at all costs, impulse buying and going on wild spending sprees. Instead, they should budget and buy wisely,” Mpofu said.
She advised consumers to behave responsibly during the festive season so as to avoid the spiralling of Covid-19 cases.
“We should learn from our past mistakes. Last year, people did not observe health regulations during Christmas, resulting in a spike in Covid-19 cases. I urge Zimbabweans to act responsibly and avoid unnecessary gatherings,” Mpofu added.
Tafadzwa Goliati, the president of the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ), is optimistic that the travelling public will not face the same Covid-19 induced difficulties that they encountered in 2020.
A surge in criminal activities, especially armed robberies, and the long queues at financial institutions are some of the things that are threatening an otherwise promising Christmas period.
In efforts to ensure a safe festive season, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is set to launch an operation targeting errant and reckless motorists. They have also upped the war against all forms of crime, armed robbery and drug abuse included.
