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The Herald, December 27, 1980
ALL Zimbabweans had now reconciled themselves to living together as equals in peace and harmony, the President, the Reverend Canaan Banana, said in a Christmas Day speech to the nation.
The following is the text of the President’s message:
“It is with great pleasure that I have this opportunity to address you for the first time on the occasion of this historic Christmas season. In many respects this is indeed the first Christmas in Zimbabwe.
“First, we are celebrating Christmas in a new social, political and economic environment. The old colonial order, characterised by blatant racial oppression and exploitation, is gone for ever. You have elected a government of your choice under the illustrious and selfless leadership of Comrade Robert Mugabe.
“Since its assumption of power, the People’s Government has created a solid foundation for national reconstruction and development, based on equality regardless of racial, tribal or class origins.
“Second, for the first time in the history of this country we are going to enjoy this important annual event not in isolation from the international community, but in interaction with it. Not only is it possible for some of us to join friends and relatives abroad, but many of our loved ones are able to celebrate Christmas with us in the new Zimbabwe.
“In addition, we have 40 accredited High Commissioners and Ambassadors who, for the first time, will be with us during this year’s Christmas season.
“Third, this Christmas is historic in that it is taking place in an atmosphere of peace and political tranquillity. All Zimbabweans, by and large, have reconciled themselves to the new social order, and are prepared to live together in peace and harmony as equal sons and daughters of Zimbabwe.
“In the rural areas the traditional Shangara, Mbakumba, Jerusarema and Ingquzu, which had been suppressed during the years of colonialism, will once more provide entertainment for our people.
“Indeed, this year’s Christmas is a culmination of the celebrations of the people’s freedom-freedom from colonialism, exploitation and isolation.
“Let us all enjoy ourselves in peace and unity.
“However, at the same time, we must remember that during this moment of joy and excitement, some enemies of the State, both within and without, will try to destabilise our country in the hope of reversing the revolutionary process.
“While celebrating, let us thus remain vigilant and continue to guard jealously our hard-won independence.
“Long live the People’s Government!
“Long live the unity of all Zimbabweans!
“With warm good wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- 43 years into independence, Reverend Banana’s first Christmas address to the nation continues to resonate, because he summarised the true meaning of Christmas.
- Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus who came to give love, hope and joy and is observed by Christians and non-Christians alike.
- Although the event has over the years been heavily commercialised, its message remains the same from year to year: hope, love and joy.
- The Christmas season is a season where people come together in brotherly love, joy and unity to celebrate another year of a life well-gifted.
- While some Zimbabweans have travelled to different parts of the world, others visited friends and family in the rural areas or in urban centres, while others have taken the opportunity of the long holiday to sample the country’s many tourist resorts.
Online Reporter