marble nkomo
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
CHIEF Tshitaudze of Beitbridge District has made a heartfelt plea to village heads to unite in combating the rampant cutting down of trees by firewood syndicates, which he says poses a serious threat to environmental sustainability.
He made the clarion call while addressing village heads on Sunday during an interface meeting with the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, held at his Malala homestead.
The chief said trees were not merely a resource, but a vital component of the ecosystem and a crucial source of livelihood for many communities.
The traditional leader expressed deep concern over the growing environmental damage and depletion of grazing land, warning that these challenges were worsening the effects of climate change and recurring droughts.
Climate change refers to a long term shift in the climate of a specific location, region or the planet, occurring when climatic conditions change between different periods of time.
Such shifts are measured by changes in average weather conditions, including temperature, wind patterns and rainfall.
Apart from natural causes, human activity also drives climate change through the release of greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere, alteration of land surfaces and depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
Beitbridge District has in recent years witnessed hundreds of cattle succumbing to drought due to depleted pastures and the spread of invasive plant species.
Chief Tshitaudze urged firewood syndicates to respect the environment, stressing the importance of trees for Amacimbi/Mashonzha (mopane worms), livestock production, tourism and farming activities.
“We’re very worried about this practice where people come from Beitbridge town and cut fresh trees in the villages. 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’re 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.”
The chief also appealed for support from both the Beitbridge Rural District Council and the Municipality of Beitbridge in curbing tree cutting and illegal firewood trading.
He lambasted the continued environmental degradation that is taking place unchecked in certain parts of the district.
“Let’s work together to preserve our environment and secure our future,” he pleaded.
Online Reporter