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Chief Chiweshe fumes as tobacco farmers ravage sacred mountain
2 hrs ago |
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MUZARABANI - Chief Chiweshe has expressed concern over rampant deforestation at Runga Mountain in Muzarabani, accusing tobacco farmers of destroying indigenous forests by cutting down trees for tobacco curing.
The traditional leader, born Matthew Chitemamuswe, said the situation had reached alarming levels, with large numbers of trees being felled daily despite the area's environmental and cultural significance.
A visit by this publication to Runga Mountain observed signs of ongoing tree-cutting activities, raising fears over the long-term impact on biodiversity, soil conservation and local livelihoods.
Chief Chiweshe said the destruction was particularly troubling because Runga Mountain is regarded as a sacred heritage site linked to Nyatsimba Mutota, the founder of the Mutapa State.
According to oral traditions, Nyatsimba Mutota migrated from the Great Zimbabwe region to the Zambezi Valley in the 15th century, establishing the Mutapa Kingdom, which later became one of the most influential political and economic entities in Southern Africa.
"This mountain is sacred because Nyatsimba Mutota stayed here. It is part of our history and heritage, and we cannot allow people to destroy it through uncontrolled cutting down of trees," said Chief Chiweshe.
He called on authorities to intervene urgently and stop indiscriminate tree-cutting activities before irreversible environmental damage occurs.
Chief Chiweshe said tobacco farmers should adopt sustainable curing methods that reduce dependence on indigenous forests.
The concern comes amid growing pressure on Zimbabwe's woodlands from tobacco production, with firewood remaining a major source of fuel for curing tobacco in many farming areas.
Environmental experts warn that unsustainable harvesting of trees contributes to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and increased vulnerability to climate change.
The Forestry Commission has for years encouraged afforestation programmes and sustainable forestry practices to counter the depletion of natural forests.
Chief Chiweshe also levelled allegations against a Forestry Commission officer operating in the area, claiming the official was involved in the sale of trees from the mountain and was unwilling to work with traditional leadership.
"The officer has refused to work with me, and he is selling trees from this mountain. He is very corrupt," alleged Chief Chiweshe.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
Contacted for comment, Forestry Commission spokesperson Violet Makoto said she was unaware of the matter but undertook to investigate the claims.
Meanwhile, the chief also raised concerns about veld fires, describing them as another major threat to forests and natural resources in the district.
He urged communities, farmers, environmental organisations, traditional leaders and government agencies to collaborate in protecting forests and preventing veld fires.
Chief Chiweshe said preserving the environment was a shared responsibility that requires collective action to safeguard natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.
The traditional leader, born Matthew Chitemamuswe, said the situation had reached alarming levels, with large numbers of trees being felled daily despite the area's environmental and cultural significance.
A visit by this publication to Runga Mountain observed signs of ongoing tree-cutting activities, raising fears over the long-term impact on biodiversity, soil conservation and local livelihoods.
Chief Chiweshe said the destruction was particularly troubling because Runga Mountain is regarded as a sacred heritage site linked to Nyatsimba Mutota, the founder of the Mutapa State.
According to oral traditions, Nyatsimba Mutota migrated from the Great Zimbabwe region to the Zambezi Valley in the 15th century, establishing the Mutapa Kingdom, which later became one of the most influential political and economic entities in Southern Africa.
"This mountain is sacred because Nyatsimba Mutota stayed here. It is part of our history and heritage, and we cannot allow people to destroy it through uncontrolled cutting down of trees," said Chief Chiweshe.
He called on authorities to intervene urgently and stop indiscriminate tree-cutting activities before irreversible environmental damage occurs.
Chief Chiweshe said tobacco farmers should adopt sustainable curing methods that reduce dependence on indigenous forests.
The concern comes amid growing pressure on Zimbabwe's woodlands from tobacco production, with firewood remaining a major source of fuel for curing tobacco in many farming areas.
Environmental experts warn that unsustainable harvesting of trees contributes to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and increased vulnerability to climate change.
The Forestry Commission has for years encouraged afforestation programmes and sustainable forestry practices to counter the depletion of natural forests.
Chief Chiweshe also levelled allegations against a Forestry Commission officer operating in the area, claiming the official was involved in the sale of trees from the mountain and was unwilling to work with traditional leadership.
"The officer has refused to work with me, and he is selling trees from this mountain. He is very corrupt," alleged Chief Chiweshe.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
Contacted for comment, Forestry Commission spokesperson Violet Makoto said she was unaware of the matter but undertook to investigate the claims.
Meanwhile, the chief also raised concerns about veld fires, describing them as another major threat to forests and natural resources in the district.
He urged communities, farmers, environmental organisations, traditional leaders and government agencies to collaborate in protecting forests and preventing veld fires.
Chief Chiweshe said preserving the environment was a shared responsibility that requires collective action to safeguard natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.
Source - Byo24News
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