Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke and
Raymond Jaravaza
Zimbabwe joins large parts of the world today in celebrating Christmas Day, which promises to be a memorable one on the evidence of last-minute shopping and the hordes of people that thronged bus terminuses across the country yesterday.
Retailers and wholesalers experienced a bustling surge in business yesterday, as thousands of shoppers filled shops and markets in a final rush in preparations for today.
Concurrently, hundreds of travellers began their journeys to rural areas and some to other urban areas and neighbouring countries, to reunite with families and loved ones, creating a vibrant and hectic atmosphere throughout the country.
The sudden influx of activity resulted in crowded pavements, long queues at checkout counters and an urgent sense of excitement across the nation’s central business districts and high-density suburbs. Households appeared determined to finalise their festive preparations at the eleventh hour.
A retailer, Mr Kudakwashe Chipere, noted a substantial increase in both foot traffic and sales compared to previous weeks.
“We have seen nearly a 50 percent increase in sales since yesterday morning (Tuesday) to today (yesterday).
“People are scrambling for last-minute gifts and groceries, and it has been non-stop,” he shared with enthusiasm.
The Herald observed heavy traffic congestion in downtown Harare and Mbare, where parking bays filled quickly and vehicles spilled onto surrounding pavements.
To manage the chaos, police officers were deployed along busy roads and major bus termini to maintain order as shoppers and travellers navigated through the frenzy.
Beyond supermarkets and clothing stores, families were flocking to a farm in Tynwald, Harare, where there was an increase in demand for goats and sheep.
Many were keen to secure fresh meat for their Christmas celebrations, underscoring the traditional importance of feasting in communities.
Barber shops and salons were equally busy, with men opting for last-minute haircuts and women queuing for colourful hairstyles in preparation for the holiday festivities.
The air was filled with anticipation, and the scent of freshly cut hair mingled with the sounds of laughter and chatter.
The transport sector reported a significant surge in demand as people rushed to travel home for Christmas.
A public transport operator, Mr Andrew Mandaza, also noted that bus companies had increased trips to meet the high demand.
“The demand for transport has skyrocketed, with many people eager to reach their destinations for the holidays,” he explained.
Greater Harare Commuter Omnibus secretary-general Mr Ngoni Katsvairo, urged drivers to exercise patience and adhere to road rules.
“As operators, we urge our drivers to be patient and observe traffic regulations to ensure the travelling public reaches their destinations safely,” he advised.
Mr Katsvairo further cautioned against risky behaviours behind the wheel, urging drivers to avoid using cellphones, speeding and drunk driving.
He insisted that vehicles must be roadworthy and equipped with valid insurance, adequate tyre tread, efficient braking systems and a solid suspension to guarantee passenger safety.
However, this festive rush also revealed instances of exploitation, with reports of rogue transport operators and errant bus crews doubling fares to take advantage of desperate travellers.
Long queues became a common sight at bus termini throughout the country.
In a concerning trend, fares for buses plying routes like Harare to Mhondoro surged significantly, charging between US$10 and US$15, up from the usual US$3 to US$5.
Ms Anna Chinjanja, who was travelling to Mhondoro, expressed her frustration at the fare hikes.
“The bus fares have shot up so much that it feels like we are being ripped off for travelling home for the holidays.
“It is just not fair for families trying to reunite,” she lamented.
While some chose to travel out of town, others opted to remain in urban areas.
In suburbs such as Kuwadzana, High Glen, and Warren Park, large groups of residents were seen braaing, sharing meals and enjoying drinks as the festive mood gripped the community on Christmas Eve.
Vendors also capitalised on the festive atmosphere, choosing to stay in the city to benefit from the increased activity, as Harare and other cities buzzed with energy late into the evening.
Money transfer agencies were equally overwhelmed, with customers collecting remittances sent by relatives in the diaspora.
In Bulawayo, at Entumbane and Renkini bus termini, the festive rush was in full swing as travellers loaded beds, groceries, building materials and even scotch carts onto buses and trucks bound for rural destinations.
A supermarket strategically located near Entumbane Bus Terminus was a hive of activity, serving passengers travelling to Binga, Tsholotsho, Insuza, Lupane and Jotsholo.
Lupane-bound traveller Mrs Angela Mlambo said she bought all her groceries at Entumbane to avoid extra transport costs.
“I only need US$1 to pay a pushcart operator to take my groceries to the bus, which is less than 400 metres away,” she said.
However, Mrs Mlambo expressed disappointment over fare hikes.
“A trip that normally costs US$10 is now US$15. I understand the demand, but it’s disappointing that bus operators choose to cash in during the holidays,” she said.
Adding to the chaos, some unscrupulous truck owners temporarily converted their vehicles into passenger carriers to capitalise on the last-minute rush.
To protect travellers from the rain along routes such as Insuza, Lupane and Jotsholo, truck owners fastened canvases over open trucks, with desperate passengers opting for the risky alternative.
The festive season traditionally draws large volumes of travellers from across the country, including diasporans from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, the United Kingdom and the United States, all eager to reunite with family and friends.
The hustle and bustle at Bulawayo’s bus termini reflected the excitement, urgency and determination of travellers eager to be home for Christmas.
While most businesses — both formal and informal — enjoyed booming trade, the same could not be said for car wash operators dotted around the country. Most of them said the rains had been bad for their business as clients want shiny, polished cars.
This annual festive rush captures the essence of togetherness and joy, as Zimbabweans across the nation prepare to pay homage to the time-honoured traditions during one of the most cherished times of the year.
