CONCERNS over the clearing of the Mpunza Hill Forest in Richards Bay were allayed last week when KZN MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development Dr Mechack Radebe confirmed that ‘no trees would be cut down’.
However, the MEC said they would not stop the religious services being held by the Shembe Church, which started on 20 April and would end in the second week of May.
This follows a special intervention meeting convened by the MEC last week with representatives of the City of uMhlathuze, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Shembe Church leadership.
More than 10 000 worshippers are expected to descend on the forest between Mandlanzini and Birdswood on the weekend of 2 May.
‘We are not going to allow the destruction of the forest as we are governed by environmental laws that we all have to adhere to. After getting all sides of the story, we have made it clear to the Church concerned that the destruction of the forest can have serious environmental implications and can be detrimental to the area’s indigenous forest,’ said Radebe.
The MEC said all precautionary measures would be adhered to when clearing about two hectares (Ha) instead of 16 Ha that the Church had initially requested to accommodate hundreds of cars carrying worshippers.
‘The leader of the eBuhleni Church, Inkosi Mduduzi Shembe has already arrived at the venue and for his respect and the respect of Shembe Church, the department is not going to stop the 20-day worship. All parties agreed that environmental specialists based in northern KZN will monitor the situation to ensure that correct procedures are followed when clearing the bushes and shrubs, and not the cutting down of trees.’
Consultation
Following the resolution, further consultation between government at provincial and national level will take place as there are still ‘outstanding’ sensitive matters.
‘These include the pending land claim issue after the forceful removal of people during the apartheid years. The gathering is also taking place on ‘holy ground’, according to the church, and as government, we need to respect this site, whilst making sure that there is compliance with environmental regulations and laws,’ said Dr Radebe.
