People who were mining and digging up sand illegally at Makonde are now getting a taste of their own medicine, after the operations were immediately stopped by the new village regent, Khosi-pfareli Tshilidzi Edward Ravhura. 

“When I took over the throne last month, I was told by Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase that my first assignment would be to make sure that all illegal mining activities of sand were stopped. I can proudly tell my people that I have successfully implemented what is good for the community,” says Ravhura, who was inaugurated last month to act as the village’s traditional leader until Tshinetise Ravhura (12) grows up and takes over the throne.

“During my first week as the leader of this village, I used to wake up daily at 03:00 to personally guard against all the trucks that came in the wee hours of the morning to dig up and load the sand. I personally told all of them to go back with their empty trucks, because they don’t have a license for mining in this village. I have now locked the gate that goes to the site where these people used to dig up the sand, to make sure that no truck goes there again. I have to personally stand up and defend this village because when things go wrong, I am the one who must give account.”

Ravhura said besides the illegal operations, he had also received complaints from the local people that the dust was troubling them. “People said they spent most of their time indoors because they could not stand the terrible dust. This was very bad for them because it can lead to diseases.”

He says the big open pits are serious damage to the environment and people were destroying indigenous trees. “When heavy rains fall, these pits are filled up with water and we can lose our beloved community members due to drowning. I am happy that the activities have stopped and I will continue to dedicate my time to other projects that will benefit my subjects.”