FEARS that the mass Shembe service in April would spark the start of wanton destruction of the Mpuza Hill forest and an influx of informal settlers, seem to be unfounded…for now.
While there is evidence of temporary structures and construction of permanent buildings on the 1.6-hectare site, a reliable source said residents living on the property act as ‘security guards’ for the church and the permanent structures being built were for the Shembe leader.
‘Elders have been collecting money from community members for a double-storey house for the church leader when he visits the area,’ the source said.
Shembe’s annual church commemoration event two months ago attracted more than 10 000 worshippers to the site adjacent to Birdswood’s upmarket Pelican Parade Road.
However, once the event ended, rows of tents and informal housing structures could still be seen on the property, fuelling concerns that a township was being developed a stone’s throw away from the suburb.
Residents were outraged, stating a spontaneous settlement would drive down Birdswood property prices, raise crime levels and damage the neighbourhood’s overall appeal.
