adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
CHIEFS have endorsed the Forestry Commission’s plea for the nation to revive the practice of planting a tree when burying a loved one in order to curb deforestation. In his presentation at a burial/tree planting workshop for traditional leaders held in Filabusi, Forestry Commission commissioner, Audrey Sibanda said the country has abandoned the tradition of planting trees when burying relatives as it emerged that the country was losing over 330,000 hectares of land annually through deforestation.
Sibanda challenged traditional leaders to play an active role in reviving the practice.
“Traditionally, when we were burying our loved ones, we used to plant a tree. But this cultural practice has been neglected. From my research we’ve discovered that this culture dates back to the biblical periods,” said Sibanda on Wednesday last week.
He said they had noted that Nyaradzo Funeral Services had revived the tradition.
“Nyaradzo were giving gum trees to those who were going to bury their relatives. We had to correct them although we appreciate their efforts. We’ve our traditional trees that are used when burying our relatives,” he said.
Sibanda said the tradition was not a local custom only, as research has proven that even Italians and Japanese have the same practice.
The president of the Chiefs Council, Chief Fortunate Charumbira, said failure to understand cultural practices could be the reason why the country is facing economic problems.
“Maybe the dead are annoyed with the way we bury these days. If we look at how people are being buried in urban areas, there are no trees that are being planted. Look at how people are being buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo. This could be the reason why we are not adequately receiving rains in the country,” he said.
Chiefs from Insiza welcomed the move to revive the tradition of planting trees when burying people and pledged to relay the message to their subjects.
Sidumisile Mabena