Business Reporter
There are times in the story of a nation when goodwill transcends mere generosity, becoming a powerful force that binds a people together.
This Christmas, that force traveled far and wide across Zimbabwe, reaching dusty roads, remote villages, and provinces often reduced to mere statistics. This time, however, these places were no longer just numbers — they were the heart of Zimbabwe’s Christmas Cheer, a powerful reminder of what it truly means to belong.
The journey started far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, in Gokwe, where the relentless Midlands sun beats down on communities that have more resilience than resources. Here, elderly citizens, child-headed families, and vulnerable households weren’t just given hampers — they were given presence. It wasn’t about ticking a box or fulfilling a duty. It was about listening, holding hands, lifting spirits, and restoring dignity. In these moments, Christmas didn’t arrive in a truck. It arrived through the simple yet profound message: *you have not been forgotten*.
From Gokwe, the spirit of Christmas moved east to Chipinge, in Musikavanhu Constituency, where the challenges of life often seem endless. But on that day, hope arrived in the form of food, music, laughter, and respect.
Hosted by the Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, with Environment Climate and Wildlife Deputy Minister Hon. John Paradza as Guest of Honour, the event became more than just a festive gesture. It was a declaration that every province matters and that development must be inclusive for all.
Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, deeply moved by the experience, expressed her gratitude:
“What we saw today is the true spirit of nation-building. To see our elderly and vulnerable smiling with restored dignity reminds us why inclusive development is so important. This Christmas Cheer isn’t just about food and gifts; it’s about uplifting the very soul of our communities. We are deeply grateful, and we leave here encouraged.”
Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the need for development that reaches every corner of the nation, no matter how remote.
The Chipinge gathering also highlighted Zimbabwe’s ongoing battle against drug and substance abuse. With support from the MenBelieved organization, the event became a platform for the *Say No to Drugs* campaign, offering a powerful reminder that saving the youth is the key to saving the nation.
Meet Zimbabwe’s 122 years old Banda
But the journey didn’t stop there. It moved south to Bulilima in Matabeleland South, to Ntunungwe Village, where time seemed to slow down. There, Christmas Cheer honored 122-year-old Mr. Anuloisa Banda, believed to be the oldest person in Zimbabwe. His infectious laughter, his frail yet determined smile, and the tears of gratitude from his daughter-in-law, Judith Maphosa, spoke to a truth beyond any season: how we care for our elderly reflects the true character of a nation. With Deputy Minister Hon. D. Phuti in attendance, the village became a symbol of unity, cultural pride, and shared humanity.
Across the provinces, one unifying thread ran through the initiative: compassion, delivered with consistency, dignity, and purpose.
At the heart of this movement stood a clear vision of leadership. Group CEO Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, reflecting on the broader significance of the initiative, shared:
“As we move from NDS1 into NDS2, our mandate is clear: development must be inclusive, empowering, and people-centered. Christmas Cheer is more than an event — it’s a philosophy. It reminds us that true progress is not just about infrastructure, but about uplifting every Zimbabwean. Giving back isn’t an obligation; it’s a privilege — a commitment to the transformation of our nation.”
His words captured the essence of what had unfolded on the ground — development that blends empathy with action, policy with heart, and empowerment with dignity.
This Christmas, the spirit of the season wasn’t confined to city malls or urban centers. It spread to villages where joy may be rare, but when it arrives, it is deeply felt. It belonged to grandmothers who have weathered countless storms. It belonged to young people still searching for hope. It belonged to a nation rediscovering that unity is our greatest strength.
As the echoes of this festive season carry into the new year, the Christmas Cheer campaign leaves behind a message that’s written not on paper, but in the hearts of the people:
No community is too small, no province too distant, and no citizen too forgotten in Zimbabwe’s ongoing story of progress.
