Vusumuzi Dube
Raymond Jaravaza and Michelle Musandinyoze, Zimpapers Writers
MAJOR bus termini and hitch hiking points in Bulawayo were yesterday packed with travellers as scores of people scrambled for transport to various destinations ahead of the Easter holiday, a period traditionally characterised by increased movement across the country.
At key departure points such as Old Renkini in Makokoba, Entumbane and Nkulumane bus ranks, large crowds of passengers laden with groceries, bags and parcels boarded buses, kombis and private vehicles.
Most were travelling to rural homes for family reunions, while others headed to holiday resorts for the long weekend.
The Easter holiday begins today and ends on Monday. Despite the surge in demand, bus operators serving routes across Matabeleland kept fares unchanged, a development welcomed by travellers who had anticipated holiday related price increases.
For travellers heading to Nkayi, operators maintained the standard US$8 fare to Nkayi Centre, while passengers proceeding to outlying areas were required to pay additional charges.
Mrs Anita Ndlovu, a teacher travelling to Sivomo in Nkayi, said she had expected bus operators to capitalise on the holiday rush.
“The bus is charging US$8 to Nkayi Centre, which is the standard fare, and because I am going to Sivomo, I will pay an extra US$4. I was certain fares would go up because of the Easter rush,” she said.
For destinations such as Lupane, commuters were paying US$9. However, some passengers said operators were compensating for stable fares by increasing luggage charges.
Mr Amkela Sibindi said he paid US$6 to transport a small sack of groceries placed on top of the bus.
“The fare remained unchanged, but luggage charges are very high. I paid US$6 for a small sack,” he said.
A driver on the Bulawayo–Nkayi route, Mr Never Mpofu, said maintaining standard fares during peak periods helps to build long term customer trust.
“I know many of these passengers because they travel regularly. Overcharging them during holidays would damage trust,” he said.
Beyond the transport sector, the Easter rush also translated into brisk business for informal traders, vendors and pushcart operators operating at major ranks.
A vendor at Old Renkini, Ms Ngwenya, said public holidays are peak trading periods. “I make most of my money during holidays like this. Travellers buy in bulk because goods are often more expensive in rural areas. Bread sells the most,” she said.
Pushcart operators ferrying goods between nearby suburbs and bus ranks were making up to 15 trips a day, charging US$1 per trip.
The holiday movement was also evident in supermarkets and clothing outlets across Bulawayo, which recorded increased last minute shopping activity.
As traffic volumes rise nationwide, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has intensified its road safety awareness campaigns, urging motorists and passengers to comply with traffic regulations during the holiday period.
The Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) also reiterated the importance of responsible driving and strict observance of road rules to prevent accidents during the Easter and Independence holidays. In a statement, ZPTO chairman Dr Samson Nhanhanga said the organisation remains committed to safeguarding passengers before, during and after the holidays.
“In collaboration with key stakeholders, we will work tirelessly to ensure public transport drivers comply with all road regulations. We call on all drivers, both within and outside our association, to exercise utmost caution and embrace the principle of Drive to Arrive Alive,” he said.
Highlighting enhanced monitoring measures, Dr Nhanhanga added: “Together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we will fully deploy the Electronic Traffic Management System to monitor speed and traffic conduct. As an association, we will have our own call centre database that monitors the speed and safe driving of all our members countrywide. Any driver found violating the law will face appropriate sanctions, including the owner of the bus.”
The organisation also urged passengers to actively participate in promoting safety by reporting reckless driving.
“More people will be travelling to various churches across the country. We urge passengers to report immediately any driver who is speeding, overloading, driving under the influence, or engaging in any unsafe practices. Also, we are warning passengers not to carry gas tanks in our buses as it is dangerous.
One of our buses caught fire last year during this period after a gas tank exploded. Let us make this Easter and Independence safe, not sorrowful. Drive to arrive alive,” said Dr Nhanhanga.
Meanwhile, churches across Bulawayo yesterday completed preparations for Easter celebrations, with Christian congregations commencing Holy Week observances marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Many Christians who worked half day yesterday rushed home to prepare for Holy Thursday services as churches rolled out programmes leading to Easter Sunday.
The head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Archbishop Alex Thomas, said the Church is observing its most sacred season through a series of solemn liturgical commemorations.
“We began with Palm Sunday, when we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where people welcomed Him as King and Messiah. Today (yesterday) it is our Holy Thursday when we remember the Last Supper of Jesus, where He washed His disciples’ feet and gave a new commandment to serve each other,” he said.
Archbishop Thomas said Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, reflects Christ’s commandment of love and service.
Today, Catholics will observe Good Friday through the Long Stations of the Cross procession from Bulawayo Polytechnic to St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica.
The procession focuses on Christ’s passion, beginning with His condemnation and ending with His burial.
“At 3PM, we will have the service for the veneration of the cross, remembering the passion and death of Jesus on the cross. On Holy Saturday, we will have the vigil for the resurrection of Jesus in the evening, and on Easter Sunday morning, the Holy Mass for the resurrection of Christ,” said Archbishop Thomas.
Reverend Philisani Maphosa of the Apostolic Faith Church of Southern and Central Africa said their Easter observances began yesterday, with worshippers gathering at various venues nationwide.
In Bulawayo, the church is holding its Easter retreat at Sizane High School in Pelandaba suburb.
“For us, Easter is an important occasion as we remember the sacrifices by our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died to redeem us from sin. We are inviting everyone to attend our services so that they receive salvation through our Lord and Saviour,” said Rev Maphosa.
Zimbabwe Christian Alliance executive director Useni Sibanda said several member churches are combining Easter camps with community based initiatives.
He said some congregations, including those in Gweru, are working with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to improve waste management during Easter gatherings.
“This is important to ensure that Easter camps do not contribute to increased garbage and waste. Most of these materials will be taken for recycling,” said Rev Sibanda.
He added that churches are also being encouraged to incorporate environmental stewardship and youth entrepreneurship into Easter programmes.
Rev Sibanda said Easter remains a powerful period for reflection on sacrifice, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation — values he said are essential for national unity and social healing.
Online Reporter