NKAZHE Villagers in Matshetsheni area have raised concern over a dangerous plant that is
growing in their area, which is harmful to other plants and animals.
The areas that are said to have been affected by the plant are Nkazhe and Magedleni, which
have been affected for the past three years. The villagers have called out for help.
Ward 2 councillor, Zwilibanzi Mpofu, said that the plant is creating more harm in his area.
This plant is fast to germinate, once it germinates it means that the grass which will be
available in the area will die. Therefore our area no longer develops proper grass for
livestock, meaning that if it is not controlled properly, we will be left with no livestock at
all,” said Councillor Mpofu.
A villager, Phenious Nyathi echoed similar sentiments saying that farmers were in danger.
“This plant is very dangerous as we have been experiencing death of some of our livestock,
which is a great loss to us as farmers since livestock is where our money is,” explained
Nyathi.
He called for responsible authorities to intervene.
“We appeal to environment specialists to come to ground level and identify the plant so that
we can be assisted,” he said.
Ward 1 Councillor, Stanford Nkala said they tried to engage some of the authorities but they
did not receive any help.
“We tried to engage Matopo researchers for help but we did not get their response, therefore,
we are calling for interventions from the responsible authorities to save the villagers,”
appealed Cllr Nkala.
