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Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter
POLITICIANS from across the political divide have said Christmas is a time for families to bond and count their blessings as the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
The politicians said the day is meant to bring families together as they celebrate the day Jesus Christ was born.
They called on Zimbabweans to observe traffic regulations as they celebrate Christmas today to avoid loss of lives.
The political leaders said they too will be celebrating Christmas with their families.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Cde Obert Mpofu called on the country to spend the holidays with their loved ones and try and avoid travelling, especially at night.
“We are saying the people should spend the Christmas holiday with their families. We are trying to deal with accidents but they continue to rise so our message is that they must avoid travelling and spend time with their families.
“When need is pressing, we urge motorists to drive during the day and observe traffic regulations because our roads are slippery due to the rains. We strongly discourage driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Cde Mpofu.
“As I speak to you, we are going to bury one of the headmen in my area who was knocked down by a Bravo Tours bus. We are in a farming season, if it means people working on their land, it is good also.”
Cde Mpofu said he would spend Christmas with his family at his Nyamandlovu homestead in his Umguza constituency.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo said Christmas this year comes at a time when people were living under difficult circumstances.
She called on Zimbabweans not to lose hope, saying the country would pull through its hardships
“Christmas is coming at a time when the country is facing cashflow challenges. A number of civil servants have not received their bonus so many have no money to cheer their families. These people are patriotic and are aware of the challenges brought by sanctions,” said Cde Moyo.
She said contrary to claims by opposition parties that the government was failing, it was working tirelessly to improve the lives of its people.
“It happened in the liberation struggle when people wondered where the war was going and when it would end but because of perseverance, we defeated the colonial master and won back our country. It is that kind of resilience that I call the people of Zimbabwe to have,” said Cde Moyo.
She said many African countries still do not control their economies but Zimbabwe had shown the drive to place the economy in the hands of the people.
“Our friends will help us grow the economy, I urge people to have hope because if you don’t have hope then it means you are not living,” said Cde Moyo.
She said she would spend the day with her family after a busy political schedule.
“I will be at home with my family, as you know, we are coming from elections and we have been very busy. This is a time to relax as a family,” said Cde Moyo.
Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi called on motorists to be careful on the roads and maintain stipulated speed limits.
“We wish the people a wonderful Christmas that is accident and crime free. Those who drive should do so carefully and those that drink should imbibe moderately. This is a time for getting together as families after a long year of hard work,” said Cde Mohadi.
“Some members of families work at different places and this is the time that they all come home and spend time together. We will be doing the same thing. The children are coming as well as the grandchildren so we will be spending time as a family.”
MDC-T deputy chief whip Dorcas Sibanda and Bulawayo provincial deputy chairperson called on the police to increase deployment of officers to make sure that traffic regulations are enforced.
She said she had observed public transport vehicles like buses speeding especially at night saying the police should bring the culprits to book. “I wish everyone a merry Christmas despite the difficulties that they are going through. We wish them a prosperous New Year and hope things will turn out for the better next year,” said Sibanda.
“I will spend time with my family then later I will be at the family business in Ntabazinduna where I will interact with the people.”
Sibanda said the Christmas will be gloomy for civil servants who did not receive their bonus on time and those workers who won’t be getting any bonus at all.
Online Reporter