Celebrate Christmas wisely, Cama warns
As Malawians today join the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas, the Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) has cautioned that spending should be done wisely in view of prevailing tough economic conditions.
Traditionally, the spirit of Christmas has been characterised by love, sharing of gifts and preaching peace.
In a written response yesterday, Cama executive director John Kapito appealed to Malawians to take appropriate care and avoid unnecessary purchases influenced by promotions or any forms of advertisements.
He said it is a fact that most consumers are unemployed and do not have access to incomes; hence, it is important they should refrain from making purchases that negatively affect their livelihoods during and after the Christmas period.
Said Kapito: “During the Christmas festivities, consumers must ensure that rentals, children’s school fees, electricity and water bills and necessary food items are budgeted for adequately, to carry them through the end of January.“Consumers should avoid excessive beer drinking, unnecessary travels and unnecessary purchase of any luxury goods and services.”
He further said the current economic and social collapse of Malawi’s economy demands every Malawian to reflect on reasons we have found ourselves in such a desperate economic crisis; hence, no need to overspend during this festive season.
According to Kapito, the Christmas period should also be a time for reflection, especially for leaders to find lasting solutions that are aimed at changing the economic and social status of poor Malawians.
Besides, he also urged Malawians to spend time praying, among others, for forgiveness, and ask for wisdom from Jesus Christ, especially for country’s leaders.
Days counting to Christmas Day saw a flurry of activities as people stocked up supplies. The Christmas fever heightened on Christmas Eve when shops and markets were filled with shoppers and roads were congested.
In random interviews yesterday, people gave different views on how they will celebrate their Christmas Day, with most saying they would spend the day with their families.
In an interview, Mike Banda from Chatha in Chileka, Blantyre, said Christmas Day is all about spending time with family, giving to the less fortunate and praying.
He said: “Christmas Day is that time of the year when we have to give to the less fortunate and also spend time with family. It is also a time when we have to pray, and not engage in unacceptable behaviours.”
In a separate interview, Alinafe Mzumara from Zomba said Malawians must spend the day in the best way they can while observing Covid-19 restrictions.
“We don’t have to go out drinking or whatsoever, but at least behave in the best way we can. At the same time, we have to be mindful of Covid-19, so we have to be cautious,” she said.
On her part, Deborah Makwangwala from Chilobwe Township in Blantyre stressed that Malawians must not be excited with the day by engaging in unnecessary spending.
