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Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
The failure by many employers to pay December salaries by yesterday, coupled with the scrapping of bonuses and other benefits, has not killed Zimbabweans’ Christmas spirit. Thousands of workers, including some civil servants, failed to receive their December salaries yesterday.

However, hardworking and enterprising people could not be deterred by these setbacks as there was a hive of activity in the city centre and residential areas as shoppers jostled to buy groceries in preparation for the big day.

Some businesses, mainly liquor outlets, were busy stocking in preparation for massive demand expected today.

People interviewed said Christmas Day was a time for merrymaking and there was no need for side lining those that failed to receive their salaries and bonuses or those that lost their jobs.

The Christmas mood, they said, could not be dampened.

Government last week announced that it was mobilising funds to pay civil servants on a date to be announced despite the financial constraints being faced.

Commuter omnibus operators had a torrid time at Mbare- Musika and other pick up points as they failed cope with people seeking transport to various destinations.

Many business outlets and supermarkets such as Pick n Pay and OK, said they introduced vouchers to assist workers who failed to receive their salaries on time.

Discounts on certain range of products were also added to ensure products were affordable to many.

Pick n Pay manager Mr Admore Tapfumaneyi said they also introduced some affordable hampers.

“Enthusiasm for the festive mood is there, but we were not yet clear in terms of sales growth.

“Through the prize vouchers request, people have come in numbers to buy and at the moment many companies have requested for Christmas hampers which clearly shows we are almost in the mood of Christmas,” he said

An OK Zimbabwe employee also said after introducing discounts on most food items, sales peaked.

“Business is very low compared to last year. It is probably because of non-payment of bonuses, but during this season, our prices of basic commodities have been reduced to affordable prices so this has increased our sales,” she said.

Mr Terrence Antonio, a boutique owner, said people were not reluctant to spend money and tourists booked at local hotels buying gifts for their beloved ones.

“As an entrepreneur, I would not lie that business is at its best, but it cannot be compared to other months as you know people are not reluctant to spend money on holidays,” said Mr Antonio.

One customer, Mrs Barbra Munetsi, said before she did her shopping, she had collected flyers to compare prices in different supermarkets to avoid impulse buying.