DESPITE a strict instruction by provincial government to leave the Mpunza Hill’s sensitive ecology unscathed, Shembe Church members took an axe to trees in the protected forest.
Only two weeks ago, KZN MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, Dr Mechack Radebe met with the church leadership to stop them from clearing 1.6 hectares of protected forestry in Mpunza Hill.
‘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,’ said Radebe following the intervention.
‘After getting all sides of the story, we have made it clear to the church that the destruction of the forest can have serious environmental implications and can be detrimental to the area’s indigenous forest.’
Radebe added 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 check that no trees will be cut down.
Church representatives at the meeting thanked Radebe for consulting them on the sensitive issue and assured him that they will be working together with all concerned as they want to play a bigger role in ensuring the protection of the environment including the Mpunza Hill.
However, soon afterwards, trees were chopped down with only a few logs now left scattered on the ground.
Disappointed by the news on Wednesday, Radebe said that while he respects other religions, including the Shembe Church, nature has to be respected and ‘protected forestry should not have been disturbed’.
‘We will have to come up with a plan to address the situation between our provincial government, the City of uMhlathuze, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Shembe Church.’
Stinky situation
As thousands of Shembe worshippers gathered at the temple near Pelican Parade to commemorate the founding of their church, many pitched tents along the Birdswood street with no nearby sanitation facilities at their disposal.
This resulted in an outcry by residents claiming campers ‘go to the toilet’ and wash themselves on the sidewalks in front of their homes.
Unfortunately, the situation has not been addressed yet, leaving the frustrated home owners powerless over the health hazard.
Responding to the residents grievances, City of uMhlathuze Muncipal Manager, Nhlanhla Sibeko said, ‘There is provision for toilets at the temple as part of the section 4 planning.’
