Online Reporter
Twelve months in the making, the biggest party of the year explodes today.
The new clothes, tasty dishes, the free flow of drinks, loud music and all are on display today as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Some drove or flew into the country for the party. Others travelled by road to holiday destinations dotted across the country or to their friends and relatives’ homes in the countryside.
Judging from the traffic and excitement we observed over the past few days and the improvement in the state of the economy, we are sure that this year’s Christmas Day will be among the best in recent years.
The country realised an impressive food harvest this year, and posted tobacco and gold production records. The construction sector is booming.
Inflation has been declining in recent months; thus, people’s incomes aren’t losing value as rapidly as they used to in the past. The people are now able to plan and save with a higher degree of certainty than before.
Because of the foregoing and many other factors, the economy will expand by 6,6 percent this year, among the biggest growths in sub-Saharan Africa.
This demonstrates the good health of the economy, which must enable our people to have a great time today.
In a Christmas Day message yesterday, President Mnangagwa hailed the successes the country recorded over the past year, noting that they are worth celebrating.
“Fellow Zimbabweans here at home and abroad, I extend warm season’s greetings to you all, in the joyful spirit and essence of Christmas as well as the promise of a New Year,” he said.
“As we bid farewell to 2025, which was yet another eventful year, I am honoured to thank you, my fellow citizens, countrymen and women, for the numerous milestones that we have achieved during the course of the year. All our achievements, across every sector of the economy, are worth celebrating, now and in the New Year.”
He added that Zimbabweans must work even harder next year to consolidate the socio-economic gains they achieved this year.
However, as we celebrate today up to New Year’s Day in the next seven days, we must remember to do so responsibly. Christmas Day and New Year’s are not the beginning and end of everything.
Those who drink alcohol must not overdo it, making sure they only take the legal brews, not the illicit, poisonous and too potent ones that knock them out instantly, cause long-term health complications and cause addiction.
Those who are driving must always observe speed limits and not drink and drive.
We urge our people to shun violence and drug consumption that sometimes come with parties.
“The holidays are meant to be peaceful and for general merry-making within the confines of the law,” we cite national police spokesman, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, as saying elsewhere today.
“We appeal to members of the public to celebrate responsibly, respect one another and avoid actions that may result in loss of life, injuries or conflict.”
