UPDATE: Church stands firm over forest issue

WHILE the dispute over Mpunza Hill continues between the Shembe Church and Birdswood residents, the church says it will continue to utilise the land as their spiritual ground despite strong resistance by environmentalists and homeowners.

This was declared during a session between the Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission and church members in Richards Bay last Thursday.

The Shembe Church lodged a formal complaint to the CRL, claiming their religious rights were being violated by various groups opposing their occupation of the forest.

They claimed the land belonged to the congregation and was given to them by the local chief in 1985.

‘We have a right to conduct our services here. Our ancestors are buried in this forest,’ the church said.

However residents strongly believe the church occupied the land unlawfully and poses an environmental hazard.

Last year trees between Birdswood and Madlanzini were cut down.

The KZN MEC for Agriculture, Environment Affairs and Rural Development, Meshack Radebe, attempted to resolve the matter last year after reports about the forest being destroyed.

On Thursday, the CRL’s attempts to resolve the issue were also unsuccessful.

Emotions ran high among the opposition group, leading to some leaving the meeting.

‘The church claims to have a historical landmark and will occupy the forest until a more permanent solution is reached. We will engage with the different parties affected, including the tribal authority,’ said the CRL KZN Commissioner, Raymond Trollip.

‘No one is allowed to forcefully remove them (congregants) from the place, because that will be ground to open a criminal case with the police.’

DID YOU KNOW?

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

BBM – 25A0BF5A or 2B7993C8

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169