Bulawayo parents skip parties, prep kids for school term

The holiday vibe in the city was split between celebration and practicality. While plenty of residents in Bulawayo hit shops and parties for New Year's Eve, many parents skipped the splurging to focus on back-to-school prep for the January thirteenth start date. Those with first-time learners said buying uniforms, stationery, and paying fees took priority over festive spending, aiming to avoid the last-minute rush next week.

Nightlife still buzzed across both western and eastern suburbs, with the ZKS Spinners Arena hosting a major burnout event featuring local and international drivers and performances by artists like Noluntu J. Traditional spots like the Luveve Chigumura complex packed in patrons, while churches held all-night prayer services for the crossover into the new year. Family-friendly daytime events also popped up, with activities like jumping castles and face painting at places like eKasi in Luveve and a lunar park at the City Hall.

Some residents, like one from Luveve, opted for a cautious stay-at-home celebration to avoid potential trouble. Despite a tough previous year, many expressed hope for better opportunities in the new year, with local braai spots ready to welcome diaspora returnees seeking a taste of home. The city's mood reflected a mix of careful planning for the immediate future and a desire to mark the fresh start.