MBAHELA – The establishment of an initiation school at Mbahela Village a fortnight ago, has brought division among the residents of the area. The local civic association and Mbahela Water Project steering committee have teamed up with several members of the community in their fight against the establishment of the school.

The concerned group’s argument is that the initiation school is situated next to a fountain from which the water that supplies the whole of Mbahela village is pumped. According to them the chances are high for the scholars to contaminate the water.

During an interview, chairperson of the civic association, Mr Enos Tshamutoka, revealed that they had tried all possible ways to stop the government from issuing a permit for the school, but in vain. Tshamutoka further indicated that apart from the fact that the scholars from the school are likely to contaminate the water, the school’s location inconveniences people who wish to collect some firewood from the nearby mountain, as they now have to go elsewhere.

He also argued that the school has blocked the only way that joins the Mbahela and Tshiwani villages. Realizing that nobody was willing to listen to their demands, the concerned group decided to follow the legal route in a bid to have the school evicted from the area.

During a meeting that was held at the local school last Friday evening, the concerned group resolved that each household should contribute an amount of R70 to cover the legal costs. According to Mr Tshamutoka they had managed to raise an amount of R8000 on Saturday.

Tshamutoka further indicated that they have hired a local firm of attorneys, Mvundlela and Associates Attorneys, to pursue their case. During an interview with Mr Francis Mvundlela from the firm, he revealed that they had already received a court order and that they had already delivered it to the sheriff.

He stated that they were still waiting for the sheriff to show them a return-of-service document at the time of going to press.

On the other hand, a representative from the royal family, Mr Lazarus Mamatsharaga, has indicated that the concerned group was using the initiation school for its own ends. According to him, the initiation school is not situated close to the fountain, as claimed by the group, and no normal person in his right mind can think that the scholars can walk such a long distance, due to their health status. He further indicated that the fountain is well protected.

* Shortly before going to press, Mirror was informed by Mr Francis Mvundlela that the school had been evicted on Tuesday.