Another bleak Xmas beckons

Nhau Correspondent

A miserable Christmas beckons for millions of Zimbabweans, one of the worst the country has experienced in years, as the economy continues to fail under the heavy weight of Covid-19 and an austerity-driven economic reform agenda.
It is 17 days to go to Christmas Day, a holiday widely celebrated in Zimbabwe by both Christians and non-Christians.
Though Government continues to preach normalcy and anticipated growth, prices of basic commodities continue to rise.
This is despite a seemingly stable exchange rate.
Meat prices, chicken and beef included, have gone up by 50 percent since March, while the prices of mealie meal, the country’s staple food has also gone up by at least 30 percent.
Electricity, which fuels most urban households has gone up a number of times, sometimes by over 200 percent while Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) which substitutes electricity has also gone up by 50 percent.
Fuel prices rose a few days ago triggering another round of price hikes, especially in the transport sector.
Long distance bus operators have hiked prices by an average of 15 percent, while there are no fixed prices on kombis and pirate taxis that are ferrying the bulk of Zimbabweans as numbers of ZUPCO buses remain low.
The high prices are in direct contrast to prevailing salaries for most working-class citizens, who take home an average of US$150 per month.
“I wanted so much to travel with my family to our Gutu rural home as is our tradition but things are getting increasingly tough,” said Mabvuku resident Tavonga Chaitezvi.
“It will cost my family of four around US$80 to travel to and from Gutu. We are also expected to bring along groceries which, if we are economic enough could cost us at least US$100.
“It’s just not realistic considering what I earn, so this year we will sit it out.”
Chaitezvi is facing the possibility of being unable to feed his family even from his Mabvuku home as rentals have risen while his salary is being paid in installments.
“The first installment which came on November 27 only covered my rentals and a bit of food,” he said.
“Right now, I’m deep in debt as I’m having to borrow money for transport, while the little food I bought is fast running out.”
Many companies have been running losses due to limited economic activity during the Covid-19 lockdown, which has seen them fail to pay wages on time, if at all.
Some companies have already closed down due to bankruptcy, increasing the high numbers of unemployment and poverty.
Most Zimbabweans survive on informal employment, a sector also struggling due heavy-handed policing because of Covid-19 regulations.
Some who rely on diaspora funds are also struggling as their relatives are also suffering from the economic impacts of Covid-19 in their respective countries of employment.
This has resulted in most families in high density areas surviving on food aid and donor supplements.
“I rely on my children in South Africa to send me food but of late they have also been struggling,” said an elderly Mbuya Mangwiro.
“I don’t know what I will feed my grandchildren for Christmas or if they will have new clothes as per usual as their parents are out of work and may end up returning home empty handed.”
The country has a high number of child headed homes and elderly people taking care of their grandchildren.
This group of people usually rely on well-wishers, but with harsh economic conditions, even charity groups are failing to donate to their wellbeing late alone hold the usual Christmas parties. Nhau/Indaba