Water continued to flow at the City Hall Fountain as Bulawayo gathered to launch its annual Christmas Cheer Fund, but the message from the evening carried a meaning that could stretch well beyond the festive season.

The launch, held on Thursday, 5 November, brought together business representatives, community leaders, artists and other stakeholders in support of vulnerable members of the city.
Led by Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, the initiative seeks to mobilise resources for children’s homes, orphanages and institutions looking after elderly people, ensuring they are not forgotten during the Christmas period.
Yet, the setting offered an interesting reflection on the purpose of the gathering.

Like the water flowing through the fountain, generosity needs to keep moving if it is to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
For institutions supporting vulnerable residents, the need for assistance does not end when Christmas celebrations are over. Food, clothing, education, healthcare and other basic requirements remain part of their everyday responsibilities.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Senator-Councillor Coltart said the way a city treats its most vulnerable residents reflects its values and character.

“I believe that the heart of the city is most accurately reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable people,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of making the fund an integral part of the city’s approach to supporting those in need, rather than treating it as an occasional charitable exercise.

Fund board of trustees member and local entrepreneur Nkosana Mazibisa brought another perspective to the discussion, encouraging contributions that could help people develop skills and become more self-reliant.

His remarks highlighted the need to look beyond immediate assistance and consider how disadvantaged people can access opportunities that improve their circumstances over time.

While festive donations can bring relief and happiness to families and institutions, long-term support can have an even greater impact. Skills training, educational assistance and practical resources can help create opportunities that remain valuable long after the festive season.

The involvement of businesses, artists and other members of the community also reflects the different ways people can contribute. Financial donations are important, but time, professional expertise, essential supplies and mentorship can also make a difference.

To Bulawayo residents, the challenge is to maintain this spirit of giving beyond December. The Christmas Cheer Fund provides an opportunity for residents and organisations to identify with the needs of their communities and take part in supporting those who require assistance.

As the water continued to flow at the City Hall Fountain, the evening left behind a simple but important thought ,a city’s generosity should never be seasonal.