COMMENT: Safety is the covenant we must all honour during the holidays

AS Zimbabwe prepares for a long holiday period that begins with Unity Day tomorrow — traditionally a season of joy, family reunions and celebration — a necessary and sobering message comes from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba’s comprehensive outline of security measures for the festive season last week is a critical blueprint for national well-being during a time of heightened risk.

His statement underscores a fundamental truth: The safety and security of this festive period are not solely the responsibility of law-enforcement agencies but a collective duty shared by every citizen.

The onset of the holidays brings a palpable surge in energy — roads fill with travellers, towns buzz with economic activity and homes overflow with laughter and fellowship.

Yet, as the police rightly acknowledge, this same surge brings parallel challenges: the grim statistics of road traffic accidents, the opportunistic spike in criminal activity and the tragic consequences of overindulgence and recklessness.

Therefore, as we embark on celebrations, we must consciously prioritise vigilance, responsibility and care for one another.

The emphasis on road safety cannot be overstated.

Our highways become lifelines connecting loved ones, but they can turn into scenes of irreversible grief in a moment of negligence.

The directive is clear: Road safety is a covenant we must all honour.

Motorists must internalise that observing speed limits, avoiding the deadly sin of overloading — whether with goods or passengers — and planning journeys to minimise fatiguing night travel are non-negotiable acts of love for those awaiting their arrival.

The warning against defective vehicles and the use of illegal pirate taxis (mishikashika) is particularly poignant.

Choosing an unroadworthy vehicle or an unlicensed operator is a gamble with lives.

Similarly, while the spirit of Ubuntu is cherished, the caution against offering lifts to strangers is a hard-nosed necessity in the face of potential robbery and violence.

Passengers, too, have agency; reporting reckless driving is a civic duty that saves lives.

As rains threaten, the advice to avoid flooded crossings is a timeless reminder that no journey is more important than life itself.

Beyond the tarmac, personal security forms the second pillar of a safe festive season.

The police’s heightened visibility through patrols and operations must be met with equal public alertness.

Securing homes before travelling, being discreet with cash and valuables in public, and reporting suspicious behaviour are simple yet powerful acts of collective defence.

The commissioner’s call to refuse and report bribery is especially crucial; it protects both the individual and the integrity of our social fabric, ensuring that law enforcement remains a trusted shield for all.

Furthermore, the crackdown on smuggling and illicit border activities is a reminder that national security and economic stability are also part of our festive responsibility.

Compliance at ports of entry is a contribution to the nation’s health.

The need for responsible celebration cannot be overemphasised.

Further, the directive against illegal liquor outlets, those selling to minors and parents who facilitate underage drinking strikes at a perennial problem.

The festive season’s cheer should not be fuelled by alcohol abuse, which too often leads to violence, road accidents and family strife.

Unity Day and the subsequent celebrations should be about shared heritage and joy, not blurred judgement and regret.

The concern over disputes and the regulations governing fireworks are equally important.

The sound of celebration should not be the sound of conflict or injury.

Exercising restraint, managing disagreements peacefully and using fireworks within legal and safe parameters ensure that celebrations do not end in emergency rooms or police stations.

As we begin with Unity Day, let the theme of unity extend into a unified commitment to safety.

The police have laid out their operational plan — deployment, roadblocks, patrols and enforcement.

Our part as citizens is to partner with them through compliance, vigilance and proactive responsibility.

Let us drive as if every other road user is family.

Let us celebrate with a mindfulness that preserves dignity and health.

Also, let us secure our property and look out for our neighbours.

In doing so, we honour the true spirit of the season — a time for peace, gratitude and the safe company of those we hold dear.

The 2025 festive season can be one remembered for its joy and unity, not for its tragedies and headlines of loss.

The choice, collectively, is ours.

Heed the warnings, embrace the responsibility and let safety be the foundation upon which our celebrations are built.