Staff Reporter
This year’s sugar plum season, known locally as mazhanje, is facing a bitter reality as veld fires have wreaked havoc across Zimbabwe, threatening the supply of this beloved indigenous fruit.
According to Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Since July, over 850,000 hectares of land have been ravaged by fires, a significant increase from 700,000 hectares during the same period last year. This widespread damage has disrupted the natural cycle of the mazhanje, which typically becomes a common sight across the country during this time of year.
Every year, truckloads of mazhanje head to urban areas, bringing a taste of the countryside to city dwellers who do not have the time to pick the fruit in the bushes themselves. The brown, sweet fruit has become a seasonal delight, cherished by many for its natural flavour, organic nature and nutritional benefits. For villagers in rural areas, mazhanje is more than just a tasty treat, it is a vital source of income. Many have managed to turn the seasonal harvest into a lucrative business, earning money to pay school fees and support their families.
However, this year’s fires have brought uncertainty.
“I have been picking this fruit for years, but this year we are not sure that we are going to make money because the trees were destroyed by the fire. People are burning the bushes, it is not good,” lamented a local villager.
Another added, “We need to safeguard our trees as you are aware that for most of us here in this area, mazhanje has been a staple income for years. So, if we do not protect these trees, we end up suffering.”
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) reported more than 4,000 fire incidents since the beginning of July, a worrying statistic that points to a growing environmental crisis. These fires have not only disrupted the harvest of mazhanje but have also had severe consequences on the country’s biodiversity.
In response, EMA and traditional leaders are working together to address the situation through community awareness, law enforcement, and stricter penalties for those who start fires.
EMA’s Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Amkela Sidange, revealed that 21 dockets have been opened against those found violating environmental laws related to fire prevention.
“We have got a number of interventions. We are doing a lot of awareness-raising just to continuously sensitize communities. They can prevent veld fires, and this goes hand in hand with the law enforcement that is done across the law enforcement divide, traditionally, at local levels, they can enforce the law.
“The struggle to safeguard mazhanje trees highlights a broader issue, the need for better environmental stewardship. The increased frequency and intensity of veld fires serve as a stark reminder that protecting natural resources is essential not only for the ecosystem but for the economic well-being of communities that rely on these resources,” she said.
Chief Nyamukoho emphasized the role of traditional leaders in protecting the land and livelihoods of their communities.
“In my area, we are very strict on those who start fires because we need to protect our land from wildfires. So we have come up with heavy fines on those caught starting fires. Also, we have some people who are in the habit of destroying fruit trees, which are very important to our livelihoods, so we are also monitoring those people,” he said.
Government has also stepped in, announcing fire restrictions to prevent uncontrolled blazes and mitigate the risk of further damage. These measures aim to protect not only the environment but also the many livelihoods that depend on the natural resources that veld fires threaten to destroy.
By working together, local communities, traditional leaders, and Government agencies can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the sweet taste of mazhanje, and that nature’s gifts remain abundant and preserved.
