The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze and Tendai Chara
LOVE might be in the air, but it definitely does not feel the same.
This year, more than at any time in modern history, flowers have become associated more with mourning than with love.
The raging coronavirus pandemic, which continues to affect every corner of the globe, has put a damper on this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Although local fatalities are significantly declining owing to the lockdown, they still grimly remain in the double-digit range.
While the red-themed day is usually characterised by romantic dinners, gifts, cards and flowers, pulling it off this year would be next to impossible.
Restaurants, hotels and non-essential shops are still closed.
Shop-owners who were used to capitalise on selling an assortment of goods will definitely rue the missed opportunity.
Melusi Home Designs chief executive officer Ms Charity Simbi said the coronavirus had certainly spoiled it for couples.
“It is a non-event. We have always cashed in on such a day, with most people buying personalised gifts from their loved ones. We always look forward to days like Valentine’s as we sometimes get huge orders like doing an entire interior for men surprising their wives, while others come for gifts like ornaments.
“We usually spend the period February 12 to February 14 busy. But this year I only got one client inquiring if I could help her out, but unfortunately, I am grounded by the lockdown,” she said.
But there are people who are looking at it differently.
They believe the current lockdown provides the perfect opportunity for couples to celebrate today’s occasion in the intimacy of their homes.
“Valentine’s always stressed me, especially at work. Some of us do not have rich partners, thus we do not get gifts like cards, flowers and presents from our husbands at work. Since we are working from home, this is a partly solved. I will spend the day with my partner, probably cooking a special meal for him,” said Mrs Nyarai Manyeruke, who works for a law firm in Harare.
But Leah Machipo of Timeless Photos is in a fix.
“There is no vibe this year compared to previous years. I should be having at least 20 bookings for the day but only four people came through. Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions have resulted in a few people wanting to celebrate the day the traditional way,” she said.
However, Photo Junxion founder and photographer Tariro Kamangira said today is more about families than anything else.
Although she has bookings for the day, her clients have to go the extraordinary length of being tested for Covid-19 before being served.
“We are there to freeze these moments for you while you celebrate, so despite the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be good to reflect to the photographs some years later as reminder of the devastating year,” she said.
There are some who believe that the lockdown is an opportunity to show that true love knows no boundaries.
“I have not been working since the lockdown started in March last year, so I have no reason to look forward to the day or even celebrate. I did not celebrate Christmas Day, why then should I celebrate Valentine’s Day?” queried Kudzanai Musendo, a spare parts dealer.
Stingy lot
But, the stingy lot consider the lockdown a blessing in disguise.
Obviously they are people who say February 14 causes anxiety, depression, discontentment and unnecessary competitiveness to many.
“Each year I always have challenges with my girlfriend over Valentine’s Day. She always wants a present from me or to be taken out despite being fully aware that I am not gainfully employed. However, I will use the lockdown as an excuse not to be with her on Sunday (today),” said Tinashe Mukupe, a till operator with one of the leading retail outlets.
Quality time, however, means different things to different people.
“In line with Covid-19 protocols, we are supposed to be home. Thus, my husband and I will spend the day playing games, watching movies, catching up, cooking and showering each other with love,” said Victoria Falls-based Miriam Dlamini.
Some in the sector have been creative enough to squeeze something out of the situation.
“This year’s Valentine’s Day, unlike in previous years will be more personal.
“Several fans have booked for personalised virtual performances. Some have even requested for video calls as gifts for their loved ones,” revealed Mbeu and the Mhodzi Tribe manager Eugene Museredza.
However, multi-award winning pop singer Gemma Griffiths said she will be resting.
“This is the best time to take a break from my tight schedule. This is a very different and difficult year that started off on the wrong foot. Having learnt how to survive under Covid-19, my schedule is always as busy, but on Valentine’s Day, I will be resting. I am afraid my fans will starve a bit but good times are coming,” said Gemma.
“Due to the lockdown, we are not able to conduct live shows. The pandemic has changed the way we do things,” adds Maskiri.
But even before the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, some simply dismissed the day as alien to African values.
Comedian MaVery Very (real name Wilson Masakadze), whose famed for rib-cracking comic skits, will be working in his fields on Valentine’s Day.
“I am at my rural home and will be busy in the fields. We were not given a contract to perform so we thought it wise to use the time to attend to other things,” MaVery Very said.
