Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
CHIEF Tshitaudze has made a heartfelt plea to village heads to join forces in combating the rampant cutting down of trees by firewood syndicates in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South.
He made the clarion call while addressing the village heads on Sunday at an interface meeting with Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe at his Malala homestead.
These trees, he added, were not just a resource, but a vital part of the ecosystem and a source of livelihood for communities.
The traditional leader expressed concern over the environmental impact and depletion of pastures, exacerbating climate change and drought effects.
Climate change is a long-term shift in the climate of a specific location, region or planet which occurs when the climate of a specific area or planet is altered between two different periods of time.
The shift is measured by changes in features associated with average weather conditions, such as temperature, wind and rainfall patterns.
Apart from natural causes, humans also cause climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere, by changing land surfaces, and by depleting the stratospheric ozone layer.
Beitbridge district has, in recent years, seen hundreds of cattle succumbing to drought due to depleted pastures and invasive species.
Chief Tshitaudze urged syndicates to respect the environment, highlighting the importance of trees for Mashonzha (Mopani worms), livestock production, tourism, and farming.
“We are very worried about this practice where people come from Beitbridge town and cut fresh trees in the villages,” he said.
“What is worrying is that this is happening under the watch of village heads. It’s high time we stand up as community leaders and stop this destructive behaviour.
“We are livestock farmers and environmentally conscious people; we can’t let this go on forever. Let’s work together as traditional leaders and collaborate with line stakeholders. Where a culprit is caught, let’s make them pay heavy fines”.
He also pleaded for support from both the Beitbridge RDC and Municipality of Beitbridge in stopping the cutting of trees and illegal firewood sales.
Chief Tshitaudze also lambasted the ongoing environmental degradation that is reigning supreme uncontrolled in some sections of the district.
“Let’s work together to preserve our environment and secure our future,” he said.
