Another year has come and gone and the time for festive fun is once again upon us.
But is Christmas losing its meaning?
For the last time this year, The Voice’s CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE ventures out into the streets of Ghetto to find out…
Percy Mahwa (37)
Christmas Day to me is the time of the year where we, as a Christian nation, celebrate the birth of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. It is a special time for me because it gives me the chance to meet with my family after being away from each other for a very long time due to work commitments, school, business and all other means to put food on the table. This year we have organised a family reunion in Nkange and I can’t wait.
If there is any change in Christmas, to me it would surround food. When we grew up, we hardly ate rice; back then the excitement was all about the exotic food we would get to feast on. But today’s generation is all about meeting up with cousins and having fun.
Verbal Slayer (34)
Christmas does not mean anything much to me. Back in the day, there was excitement built around it but it has died out over time. Personally, I do not see the reason to celebrate Christmas Day. I will be just home enjoying my leave days, nothing hectic.
Benny Nthomiwa (29)
This is the time for me to catch up with my family as we stay apart. On Christmas Day, we cook as an extended family and then head to the grounds to watch the football together.
We support Senete United in our family. Every year we have a Zimbabwean festival at Two Doors bar, which we always attend to keep ourselves busy. We also have Zhadza Gwizi festival where we go to our river and camp there, have our drinks, braai meat and dance to different music as Senete and Nkange residents.
Baitshepi Dubasi Mahwa (32)
There is nothing interesting on Christmas Day. In the past it was but nowadays there is nothing special; you will even swear it’s a funeral!
I have decided to work over these holidays because that is the time we get to make money – I work on the busses as a conductor. I will go home after the holidays to see my family. Those in town, I will meet them here.
Eunice Opelo Madziba(21)
I cannot wait to get to the village, I miss my grandparents. Being with them every day, all day for a week is something that makes me happy. Sleeping in the same yard, eating from the same pot and sharing jokes fills my heart with joy when I think of my family.
During the day we will be going to watch football at the grounds then go back home to prepare meals and eat with our parents. If mopane worm is there, we’ll harvest it and also help at the fields since it is the ploughing season. This is the time I learn a lot about our Kalanga culture.
Ntogelang Ntee Ookeditse (45)
This is when we finally get a break from work and have fun with our friends and families. I have already made a schedule to follow this festive season. On the 25th, I will be in Nkange – I have been invited for a family union.
In the night will be in Maitengwe for a festival. On the 27th, I’m going to Domboshaba to attend Ndingo Johwa’s music event. Sadly, I will be back at work by the 28th!