IT is that time of the year again.
Kisimusi yasvika/ ikhisimusi isifikile.
Never mind that a majority of us do not really know what this holiday is all about, that is a whole subject for another time.
Celebrations are in order.
The holiday fever has gripped everyone.
People will take time from busy schedules to rest.
Families and friends will gather to merry-make.
Some will ask why Zimbabweans should celebrate.
Why not?
We are witnessing yet another year come to an end.
People celebrate life.
The peace and tranquillity we have maintained gives us reason to celebrate.
Some of us ‘celebrated’, did we ever, Christmas at Chimoio, Nyadzonia, Tembwe, in the bushes and mountains.
Many of us appreciate the tranquillity, just the tranquillity, it is enough.
Then there was no time to merry-make.
Attempts at merry-making could easily turn into disaster.
The year 2016 had its high and low moments.
The year was marked with moments of jubilation and sorrow but together we laughed, celebrated and even cried as one.
We played our different roles in ensuring our beautiful country kept and keeps on going.
As one we soldiered on despite challenges faced.
Together we ensured our beloved country remained and remains sovereign and independent.
We lost selfless cadres during the course of 2016.
We mourned together.
But losing them did not rob us of our zeal to continue the work they started.
The same fighting spirit that gripped us after we lost thousands during the struggle, still guides us today as we continue to work for our country.
As 2016 winds up let us reflect on lessons it brought, focus on our achievements and celebrate our success.
It is a time to celebrate our oneness.
Family gatherings have been planned.
In the villages it will be one big party.
Let the spirit of togetherness guide these gatherings.
Families will share 2016 experiences.
Food and drink will be enjoyed in abundance.
With these gatherings taking place, merry-making should be done responsibly.
Partaking of wise waters is not forbidden but it should be done responsibly.
Extreme caution should be taken on the roads.
Certainly we would not want to lose some people on the roads before year end.
In the past we have lost innocent souls on the roads due to negligent driving.
It might have become a cliché but I will say it again ‘do not drink and drive’.
It is not only on roads where safety should be upheld.
Unnecessary fighting or arguments that may not end well should be avoided after imbibing.
Ngatifarei zvine hunhu uye zvine ungwaru.
In the midst of all the partying, families should take time to bond.
Parents take time with children reflecting on their school year.
For those with children starting a new stage in their education be it Early Learning, Primary or Secondary help prepare these first timers for the new experience.
It is time to buy uniforms, stationery and pay school fees.
Waiting for the last minute rush is not advisable.
The heavens have opened up and most parts have received rains.
The holidays, are an opportune time for families to join hands in the fields planting.
Teach the younger generations how it is done.
Let them know muvhu ndomune upfumi hwese.
Let them take pride in working the land.
Ivhu inhaka yavo.
This year’s harvest may have been depressed but surely no-one died of hunger as Government promised.
We have enough food stocks to see us through the festive holidays and of course till next harvest season.
Together we can make the 2016/2017 agricultural season a success.
As we celebrate let us thank heavens for 2016 and ask for a fruitful 2017.