Fued over selling of stands

Silas Nduvheni

LIMPOPO – CHIEF of the Tshififi village outside Thohoyandou has lashed out against individuals illegally selling sites and stands that have been earmarked for a new secondary school and irrigation scheme project.

Chief Ranwedzi Tshikalange said the communities have applied with the department of education to build a school in Bunzhe, a sub-village in Tshififi, but that people were selling these stands.

According to a letter of application from the Tshikalange Traditional Authority, the establishment of the school would ease the distance travelled by learners of around 10 villages in the area, as far as Azwifarwi, Tshilala and Dzwaboni Secondary Schools, just to attend school.

“They have been selling the sites and stands since 2010 and without the approval of the chief and the tribal authority.

“We have also applied for the water irrigation scheme, which would help local communities in farming, but such developments have been stopped,” said Tshikalange.

He said they have tried to engage with those selling the stands, but to no avail as villagers have already started erecting structures.

“I didn’t give anybody the rights nor tribal council to sell stands and sites because it was reserved for the establishment of the school,” he said.

Chairperson of Tshififi Civic Association, Pfarelo Luruli said they were equally surprised to see people building their houses on the site.

One of the people selling the stands, however, denies this is being done illegally.

According to Patrick Madzunye, he has instructions from the royal council and close family of Tshikalange do so.

“We don’t recognise Ranwedzi Tshikalange as our chief; we are waiting for the final date to dethrone him as chief of Tshififi and other villages,” said Madzunye.

He also claimed the Tshififi and Bunzhe communities did not recognise the civic association led by Luruli.