Brisk firewood business as cold spell bites Bulawayo

In Bulawayo, firewood vendors and sports bar owners experienced increased business activity due to the coldest day of winter so far. Vendors in the western suburbs set up braziers early in the morning to cope with plummeting temperatures and cold winds.

The Meteorological Services Department had forecast wintry conditions, with cloudy, windy, and cold weather expected, along with light rain and drizzle in some areas.

Firewood vendors, like Thandiwe Ndlovu, reported brisk business as people sought ways to warm their homes due to power cuts and expensive electricity. Bars and pubs also saw increased patronage as people sought shelter from the cold. The absence of major draws like the English Premier League led to a decline in business, but the cold temperatures encouraged more indoor drinking.

Despite the economic challenges, street children and vagabonds faced tougher times ahead with the onset of winter, as they would likely spend the next few weeks exposed to the elements.