Love in the air as Bulawayo couples paint the city red

Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]

ROSES are red, violets are blue and love is sweet was the unwritten phrase yesterday as Bulawayo woke up draped in red and white as lovebirds flooded the streets, restaurants and recreational parks to celebrate Valentine’s Day, turning the City of Kings and Queens into a theatre of romance.

From the bustling pavements of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street to the tranquil lawns of Centenary Park, couples strolled hand-in-hand, exchanging roses, chocolates and whispered promises of forever.

Some could be seen carrying flower bouquets, teddy bears and cakes. At some fast food outlets, tables were fully booked by midday. Soft music floated through the air as waiters hurried between candle-lit settings.

“Valentine’s Day is one of our busiest days of the year. Couples are spending on special menus, desserts and sparkling wine. Love is good for business,” said a waiter at a local restaurant.

Across town at Centenary Park, known for its intimate garden setting, young couples posed for photographs.
“I saved for this day. We met three years ago right here in Bulawayo. She is my answered prayer,” said Mr Thulani Ndlovu (28), who surprised his girlfriend with a bouquet of red roses.

His partner, Miss Sibongile Sibanda, smiled shyly. “He is not just my boyfriend, he is my best friend. In a world that moves so fast, love keeps us grounded.”

A vendor who has been selling roses, described the day as a lifeline.
“I started selling at 8am and by noon, half my stock was gone. Some men come early before work, others rush here at sunset. Valentine’s Day helps us pay school fees and rentals,” he said.

For some couples, the day was less about grand gestures and more about reflection.
Married for 15 years, Mr James Dube and his wife, Mrs Susan Dube chose a quiet picnic at Centenary Park.

“We have seen each other through good and bad times. Love is not only about gifts; it is about patience, forgiveness and growing together,” said Mrs Dube.

Her husband added softly, “If I had to choose again, I would still choose her.”
When the Zimpapers news crew moved around the city, it observed people buying flowers at a trading space near the Large City Hall.

The news crew caught up with Ms Sibahle Ncube as she walked along George Silundika Street holding her white teddy bear.

“I spent the past few days wondering how the day was going to turn out but I am really happy that my boyfriend put a lot of effort into getting me a gift, “she said.

“This is something every girl really wants, I am happy that he did this because I feel loved.”

Mr Thabo Dube said she was getting ready for a special proposal.
“I planned the perfect evening, complete with candles, flowers and a custom-made playlist and maybe I might ask her to marry me,” he said.

“She also bought me a present and I really appreciate her for being thoughtful and I think she deserves to feel loved.”
Hospitality players also reported brisk business.

An employee at a local lodge who declined to be named said there was a surge in room bookings as couples opted for staycations.

“Occupancy levels have significantly increased compared to a normal weekend. Many couples are choosing curated Valentine packages that include dinner, accommodation and breakfast,” said the employee.

However, most gift shop owners in the city said this year business was low.
“We have stocked a lot of Valentine’s Day gifts in anticipation of brisk business, but sadly this year business was very low,” said Mr Misheck Ndlovu who operates a gift shop in the city centre.

Observed annually on 14 February, Valentine’s Day traces its origins to ancient Rome and is widely linked to Saint Valentine, a priest believed to have defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young soldiers by secretly uniting lovers in matrimony. Over the centuries, the day evolved from a Christian feast day into a global celebration of love and affection, marked by the exchange of cards, flowers and gifts.

In Zimbabwe, the day has gradually grown in popularity over the past two decades, particularly in urban centres where businesses now craft special packages to tap into the romance economy.