Sundaymail EditorLocal businesses recorded increased sales last week as most people spoiled themselves through an assortment of goodies and entertainment as they celebrated Christmas.
The Sunday Mail conducted a snap survey in Harare. People thronged popular entertainment joints such as Lake Chivero, Zindoga, Chikwanha in Chitungwiza, Mereki and Longcheng Plaza thereby showing that despite economic challenges, people still appreciated Christmas and made merry.
Lake Chivero was particularly vibrant with families marking the day through braaing along the shores as they danced to music from their vehicles while others took to boat cruises.
Parking space became scarce in the afternoon as the number of people kept increasing.
A reveller at Lake Chivero, Merline Tsikira, said Christmas time was a period for people to make sacrifices and enjoy themselves.
“I came with my friends and sisters to enjoy a day out and we are having fun. Due to work and other pressing issues I rarely get time to go out so this is the time,” she said.
“I know people do not have money because some of them did not get bonuses but I think with the little money they have, they should try to make themselves and their families happy.”
While others were in the celebratory mood, some enterprising individuals took the opportunity to cash in. At Zindoga shops two women who were braaing chickens, Charity Phiri and Tsitsi Mhasu, recorded brisk business.
“Business has increased and we aim not to sell less than 50 chickens as the day progresses. Apart from the chickens, we are also braaing meat for other customers. This is the time when we make money as people spend big,” said Ms Phiri.
Long queues and people carrying bulk groceries were the order of the day at most shopping malls in the city as shoppers grabbed goodies for themselves and their loved ones.
Others flocked to a place known as Kumbudzi in Tynwald where they bought goats and sheep for slaughter.
However, it was not smooth sailing for others who were cautious on their pockets as they anticipated a difficult month ahead.
The Sunday Mail caught up with Mr Tongai Shambare (65) as he was busy weeding a small maize field in Warren Park.
“For me there is no Christmas to celebrate this year because I do not have money. I have not been given a full salary by my employers for the past three months and my only child who works in South Africa could not send any money because he is also having a difficult time.
“So I could not spend the little that I have as I need to pay bills and buy basic food,” he said.
Online Reporter