Sundaymail Editor
Theseus Shambare
YESTERDAY, 2022 – one of the two years marked by Covid-19 – came to an end.
For many people, a new year raises hopes for a fresh beginning and better prospects.
As 2023 begins, different Christian denominations hold meetings where annual themes are pronounced.
Declarations for the year are also made.
Again, during this period, most Christians take time to pray and fast, as they strengthen their relationship with the Creator.
The fasting period varies from one denomination to the other, with some going for as long as 40 days.
As some will be praying and fasting, others will be partying to welcome 2023.
Those who can afford holidays take their beloved ones to tourist resorts, unwind and strengthen family bonds.
During this period, individuals also take stock of themselves and set targets for the new year.
The Sunday Mail Society spoke to a cross-section of people on their prospects for 2023. These include religious leaders and musicians.
Rev Dr Martin Mujinga (secretary-general, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe [MCZ])
We have lined up a number of activities as we emphasise on strategic planning and seek to rediscover the church’s mission.
The Covid-19 pandemic had literally killed the people’s faith and hope. The MCZ leadership has, therefore, come up with revival crusades and programmes.
Our annual theme “Will you not revive us again?” is drawn from Psalm 85:6.
People lost their loved ones, friends and close relatives. This made congregants lose faith and hope. We are now saying God is the answer. He revives low spirits.
The year 2023 is the time to have a rejuvenated church that has people who believe in Jesus Christ’s leadership, even during trials and tribulations.
Sulumani Chimbetu (musician)
As you know, for the better part of the past two years, the music industry suffered a lot due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Dendera family must brace up for the “Chipfutipfuti” album. We want to make it a Valentine’s Day gift for our fans. The year 2023 is ours, we are going to lift Dendera music higher.
Beatrice “Bee WeZhira” Mudzingwa (socialite and comedienne)
I was born Beatrice Mudzingwa and I am a socialite and comedienne. I mostly feature as “Senzeni”.
The year 2022 was a memorable one. When the lockdown came into effect in 2020, I lost my job. I felt hopeless, and because of the stress, I spent most of my time on TikTok, recording comic skits
To my surprise, viewers appreciated my talent. As a result, I put more effort into my work.
I shared my content on various other social media platforms and this paid dividends.
With time, I started to get endorsements and now I am earning a living out of these funny skits.
I am a fully qualified teacher, but I have not been able to secure a job.
As I speak, I am over the moon. I managed to buy my first vehicle from the proceeds of the endorsement deals. My family and I are still celebrating the achievement. The doors are opening daily.
Although I am not a full-time actor, I look forward to achieving more things this year.
Zalerah Makari (Epworth National Assembly legislator)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported me in all the programmes that we carried out within Epworth.
I am also very happy with the support we got from the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, who helped us to transform ladies who had been turned into sex objects. As we speak, those ladies are now empowered; they have different projects running. Non-governmental organisations have been responsive to our initiatives to uplift people’s lives.
With my determined team, I also took part in the fight against drug abuse, which had become a menace to this area.
Epworth is known for prostitution, as well as drug and substance abuse. In that regard, we have recorded some milestone achievements in the fight against these vices.
It is my hope that, as we go into the new year, we will be successful in creating a crime-free community.
Dr Anxious Masuka (Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister)
For me, 2022 is a year to remember. This year served as a learning platform.
This is the year our ministry and the farmers must celebrate. We are excited. We made history by producing a record wheat output since the 1960s.
Going forward, we are aiming for a wheat self-sufficiency economy. All the Presidential Support Schemes will be on, as we seek to achieve record crop output.
We are a Government arm that does the talking in the fields. Wait and see how we are going to deliver this year.
Mai Chisamba (social commentator)
Last year, it is like I celebrated Christmas twice. In August 2022, we celebrated after we got the opportunity to sit down as a family since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Our children, in-laws and grandchildren, all came together and we went on a four-night holiday at a local resort, where we spent some quality family time.
On Christmas Day, we converged with my locally based children. We went on safaris, wined and dined, just to spend intimate moments as a family.
This year, I look forward to producing more impactful content.
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