Herald Reporter
SOME Mozambicans living close to the border along the Gonarezhou National Park are straying into Zimbabwean land as they search for better soils and trees that produce njemani beer. Chief Willie Sengwe implored Government to act swiftly to avert a possible land dispute with the Mozambicans.
He said the people shared language and culture, making it difficult to deal with them in future.
“We do not know the exact ministry to confront so that our problem can be solved. The poles that used to demarcate the border have been destroyed and since the terrain is the same as ours, Mozambican neighbours are always crossing into our farmlands.
“Some are already farming this side while others are just coming because they want to brew njemani beer.
“The situation for now is still manageable, but I foresee danger of land disputes in the near future.
Walter Masvangani, a youth who is actively involved in the beer-making business, said a two-litre container of njemani beer costs 15 rand.
“There are no jobs here unless you cross into South Africa through illegal points along the Limpopo River. This beer is our only means of survival. I fend for my mother and my four siblings from beer sales.
Headman Mr Halata Lisenga said the area was so dry, remote and the only way to survive was through buying and selling various things such as njemani beer.
“We used to survive on hunting wild animals in Gonarezhou National Park, but now Campfire and Parks and Wildlife Management officials tell us it is a crime to kill game. Sometimes when they kill rogue animals they give us some meat.