Sundaymail Editor
PRIDE goes before a fall.
The saying in the book of Proverbs, which has traditionally been credited to King Solomon (who reigned from c. 970–931 BCE) is largely coming true these days with an unprecedented surge in divorce cases, court appearances and even suicide cases.
Called “bling bling”, “kuonekera”, “kujola” or “manyemwe”, armchair lifestyles preferred by mostly young people across the world have often resulted in them becoming learning points for others.
A good number of people have run on their swords largely by seeking to be perceived in a different light than who they really are.
It is not unusual to open the newspaper these days and read of people in trouble with the law for reaping where they did not sow.
“Zvikomana zvemazuva ano kuonererwa, Ooh! Kushamisira, ndaiti kushanda inini, ndaiti ndezvedikita, chedikita hachipfachurwe,” sang the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi in this song called “Kuonererwa”.
True to the late singer’s observations, people who want to be seen as having accomplished milestones, usually betray themselves by spending recklessly.
The way they spend money and conduct themselves in public exposes serious lack of attachment with the resources they splash about just to earn a big name.
These are the kind of characters who buy beer for everyone in a bottle store.
“Pihwai, pihwai mudhara, nhasi nzou yakawa nemwana wayo. Just drink as much as you can with all your friends, I will take care of the bill,” you often hear such characters saying even when their own mothers and siblings are known across the ghetto to be wallowing in poverty.
“I was born to care for those in need. I am a man of the people and I will never look back until I am satisfied that people are happy,” you often hear the characters saying.
Some of these people will throw huge parties where expensive lagers, wines and whisky are served.
Churches are also awash with such characters.
They will sponsor the purchase of many consumables, the salary for the priest and finance the construction of the church even when they personally do not have anywhere to lay their own head.
As I commit pen to paper, there are countless people who are known to sponsor lunches for other parishioners, some of whom are even of much better means than them.
Such characters will hijack funerals in the community and supply all that is needed there so that everyone credits them for being caring neighbours.
“Inhamo yedu tese tangoti regai tiise ruoko zviendeke,” they will say shamelessly.
People who crave to be noticed also sometimes offer to pay the kombi fare for everyone in the commuter omnibus even when their own parents had electricity and water supplies disconnected ages ago for non-payment.
“I will never pay for their electricity and water because I want to teach my brothers to be responsible.
“How can they all look forward to me to pay for everything. In my view, they will learn to do things for themselves the moment they realise that each man has to be able to stand up for himself,” you often hear the blokes justifying themselves.
The ghettos in which we grew up are also awash with people who send their lovers’ siblings to school even when their own children are in arrears.
Characters with a quest to be perceived as high achievers usually exercise no restraint in terms of indebtedness.
They will do whatever they can to borrow cash from loan sharks just to be seen with fat wallets, but wait until the money is due and you will see real life drama unfold just before your eyes.
Suicide cases are rising among most such characters and there is real need to conscientise communities about the need to live according to one’s means to avoid deaths.
Life matters and so does dignity.
Inotambika mughetto.
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