malvernmugadzikwa
BARELY had I alighted from my vehicle after parking at Chitubu Shopping Centre in Glen Norah, Harare, on Christmas Day than I was swarmed by countless guzzlers keen to bum money from me for cigarettes and booze.
“I worship a living God, my brother. I was just about to go home after finishing the only quart I had, only to see you driving in.
“I just need one ice-cold one from you so that I can be merry,” said one of the blokes.
Before he left, I was approached by an old friend seeking loose change to buy cigarettes.
“Ingondisoterawo yemusvuto chete ndimbofuridzawo kahutsi,” he pleaded, leaving me with no choice but to drive away.
All this came as I received a record 100 calls from a builder and a carpenter who were now offering their services for less than half the amount they had initially quoted me so that they would have cash to spend over the holidays.
“I can come to your house and fix all the challenges you explained to me for less than 50 percent of the money that I initially quoted because this is a holiday and I fully understand that you are also cash-squeezed.
“We are children of the ghetto and in times of calamity, we should always be ready to assist one another. Tongorova chigwirizano kuti zvifambe,” he said.
When I shared the experience with workmates after Christmas, they told me that they, too, had faced the same situation, including at the hands of siblings and relatives.
“People have generally become selfish.
“Each time you receive a call, expect to hear the person on the other end making an offer that directly benefits them.
“You are immediately told of how close you are as family members, and given reasons that make you appear foolish for not rescuing them.
“Some unreasonable siblings will bring along more than 10 people when paying a visit and still expect to eat, drink and sleep comfortably, even though they do not contribute anything for the duration of their stay,” a workmate told this writer.
Attempts to try and make the offending party understand the follies of their decision is often received with disdain and/or accusations of witchcraft.
“The moment you remind someone that it is wrong to bring along many people when visiting, you are attacked and accused of being heartless.
“Your wife is then also accused of lacing your food with magical potions to dislike your relatives in favour of hers,” he said.
As I commit pen to paper, gentle reader, the “January disease” season, when people generally do not have disposable incomes, is loading and doing so fast.
Fires that had become a common feature at most shopping centres in the run-up to Christmas have died down.
People have adjusted to the reality of having to prioritise school fees, uniforms and sundries for their children.
It is even worse this year because the rains have been erratic and there are no pumpkin leaves and other flying insects to turn to for relish.
Gentle reader, sticking to one’s budget is a good way of keeping yourself out of debt at any time of the year.
Controlling your holiday spending is an essential aspect of a healthy financial life.
Inotambika mughetto.
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Online Reporter