Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, Zimpapers Reporter
TRADITIONAL leaders in Tsholotsho have raised concern over reports of girls being given alcohol at sporting events and subsequently being sexually abused.
The issue was among the social and environmental concerns raised during a two-day Local Environmental Action Plan (LEAP) development workshop held at the Roman Catholic Church at Tsholotsho Centre from September 2 to 3.
Chief Gampu of Tsholotsho said traditional leaders were concerned about reports of early marriages, rape and alcohol abuse during community sporting tournaments.
The workshop, organised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in partnership with Tsholotsho Rural District Council, brought together traditional leaders, councillors and community representatives to identify local challenges and develop practical solutions for sustainable development.
Chief Gampu said some sporting tournaments were allegedly followed by parties where alcohol was consumed, with girls reportedly being given beer and subsequently sexually abused.
“We heard of a concerning issue here in Tsholotsho where there are ball game tournaments organised and then after the playing, there will be beer which they have at a party to which they spend a night dancing and drinking.
“The girl children are said to be given beer and they get drunk, then men exchange the intoxicated, vulnerable girl, having non-consensual sex with her. We have got an alarming number of such cases here in Tsholotsho.
“As we are speaking now, we heard that there is an activity of such nature in Ndolwane area there. We are working towards getting such issues to a halt,” he said.
Chief Gampu also urged local communities to abandon practices that contribute to environmental degradation, including deforestation, cultivation along riverbanks and causing veld fires.
“We appreciate this opportunity to open up and deliberate on the issues that affect our community so that we can map out a way to resolve the issues.
“We are concerned that we have got issues involving unnecessary cutting down of trees leading to deforestation, cultivation on the riverbanks, veld fires which cause many challenges affecting our communities. We urge the public to shun those bad tendencies,” he said.
He also called for better planning of settlements, saying residential areas, agricultural land and grazing areas should be properly separated, while schools and water sources should be appropriately located.
