The festive season which is centred around Christmas day is a time for all to be merry, pray and recharge for the following year.
But for some, it’s time to rob, maim and deny them their well-deserved earnings, peace and merriment with loved ones and friends.
In wishing peace and love to residents of Alexandra and nationwide, the Ethiopian Catholic Church urged everyone to enjoy the occasion by respecting themselves and others.
“Maximise the moment to reenergise and don’t overindulge. Remain healthy in readiness for challenges ahead. Importantly, be vigilant as it’s also bonanza time for criminals to rob and deny you the joy you rightfully deserve,” Pastor Philemon Matume said. He said while it’s traditionally a time to rest and relax, thieves will be busy with different plans to curtail the enjoyment. “Be good neighbours and each other’s eyes and ears.
“Friends should protect the homes and assets of those who will have gone to their rural homes in compliance with ubuntu principles.”
Nkosinathi Ntabeni of the church said as implied by the occasion’s name, the township will be awash with festivities and excitement with residents tending to lower their guard. “They lose focus and vigilance making them easy prey to criminals and vulnerable to overspending. “Avoid haphazard spending which has bad consequences. Indulge and spend moderately aware of the demands of the new year like school uniforms and fees for children.”
He added that the two-weeks break can be costly from lax decisions with regrets that would be felt for a long time. “What you didn’t do yesterday don’t do because of the festive temptation but, retain the life pattern you known.”
He urged youths’ to restrain themselves from bad conduct. “Indulge moderately and adopt the mantra, # liquor must fall.”
Mapule Nkadimeng, also of the church urged women, girls and the youth to act no differently to their usual conduct throughout the year. “Girls should limit temptations to pleasure to avoid falling pregnant and regretting for the rest of their lives after dropping out of school and into parenthood when not yet ready,” she advised.
“Boys should desist from taking drugs which will mess up the rest of their lives through two-weeks of misguided conduct. “The township and nation have high hopes from you as responsible future parents and leaders.”
