PROMINENT Gweru lawyer and social commentator, Brian Dube, has urged Zimbabweans to exercise good behaviour to make the festive season enjoyable for everyone.
In a wide-ranging interview with Southern Eye, Dube said people tended to overlook basic etiquette during festive holidays either “knowingly” or “unknowingly” bringing anxiety to others and depriving them of a warm and joyful season.
The award-winning human rights lawyer said people should take time to reflect on the need for respect and consideration for others during social interactions be it in families, social gatherings, driving on the roads and spending habits among other activities during the coming holidays.
“Over the years, we have witnessed tensions in family set-ups when people fail to plan festive holiday visits,” Dube said.
“For those planning to visit, let us make sure that we have given notice to our hosts.
“Our visits must always be welcome and let us not just visit because the person is our relative or friend.”
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He said although traditional and African values of family ties were still binding and respected times were changing, people needed to embrace “the changing times” in their day to day living.
“What we are saying is that if are not careful with the way we plan our visits during the festivities, we may end up spoiling other people’s plans by invading their space and disrupting their joy.
“And when travelling with our children, let us make sure they are well mannered and do not become a nuisance in other people’s homes.
“As for those who are into social outgoing, we must not be in the habit of just joining others who are drinking or eating without contributing anything.”
The former Gweru Urban legislator said couples should have a clear roadmap on how to attend to family issues, adding that although people could hang out with friends there was need to balance the two.
Dube urged people to avoid over-spending and live within their means knowing basic necessities like education, rentals and bills still needed to be paid.
“Fees, rentals and other expenditures for January are sustained through the December income,” he said.
“It is better to put that money aside or even pay it before falling into festive temptations.
“We must avoid being impulsive in our spending.”
He said those travelling should observe traffic rules on safety to avoid putting their families and the lives of others in danger during the holidays by among other things, avoiding night driving and refraining from driving under the influence of intoxicating substances.
Dube said people should avoid mischievous and criminal behaviour like violence, sexual promiscuity, drug and substance abuse noting that many people end up in trouble as a result of unrestrained excitement.
“A lot of people have ended their festivities in mortuaries, hospital beds and police cells during this period of hyperactivity,” he said.
The legal counsel said over and above these tips people should always remember the less-privileged in society and endeavour to put a smile on their face during the festive season.