Story by Gay Matambo
THE Christmas spirit among the Tshangani tribesmen was vibrant, centered on communal celebration, a true reflection of a Zimbabwean holiday.
In Masekesa village, the Matumba family’s Christmas served as a powerful reminder that the season’s most cherished gifts are not wrapped in paper but found in the unbreakable bonds of family, faith, and community.
Aunts, uncles, and cousins who travelled to the village for the holidays clustered around the veranda, enjoying the extraordinary Christmas lunch.
“For us, Christmas is a time when the family comes together and thanks God for all the blessings. It is not Christmas without my grandchildren here at the village, and I also take time to prepare special meals for them. I am happy that my family is here with me on Christmas day,” Mrs Tsatsawani Matumba said.
“I work in South Africa, but I make it a point to come back home for Christmas and be with my parents. That’s why we are here. Christmas is a time for family and the whole community coming together as one in happiness and celebration,” Mr John Matumba said.
In this area, the festivities of the day are later taken to Rupangwana Growth Point, where the villagers mix and mingle and also dance to music.
Although it was a rainy Christmas Day, plans continued as normal for the villagers in Rupangwana and the surrounding areas.
“We also make it a point that we come here for Christmas; it has become a tradition, and we are happy,” a resident said.
“Christmas is not Christmas without a visit to this place; that is why you see that the growth point is packed,” a community member said.
KwaSave, as it is affectionately known by surrounding communities, is the final port of call for merry-making on Christmas Day.
