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Plight of the Tonga captured in a book

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AUTHOR Mary Ndlovu in partnership with Basilwizi Trust last week launched a book titled The Zambezi Valley Refrain, which chronicles the trust’s journey in lobbying for the displaced Tonga communities, who were moved from their homes to pave way for the construction of the Kariba Dam. The launch, which was held in Harare last Thursday, […]

AUTHOR Mary Ndlovu in partnership with Basilwizi Trust last week launched a book titled The Zambezi Valley Refrain, which chronicles the trust’s journey in lobbying for the displaced Tonga communities, who were moved from their homes to pave way for the construction of the Kariba Dam. The launch, which was held in Harare last Thursday, also marked 14 years since the trust started its work in.

BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA

Basilwizi Trust board chairperson, Isaac Mumpande told NewsDay that the historic book contains factual information, as it emerged from a participatory process.

“The book itself clearly and adequately captures our aspirations and the issues that took place between the years of our formation and now. Although Ndlovu was the lead author, we wrote the book together, as we were participating in the data collection and helping her in all aspects,” he said.

Ndlovu is a widow of the late hero, Edward.

Mumpande said the story of Basilwizi (Lweendo lwa Basilwizi) was a microcosm of the general order in the Zambezi valley communities.

“Basilizwi is one of the key organisations that have been initiated and managed by the local Tonga people when most NGOs that come to operate in the Zambezi valley are usually owned by outsiders,” he said.

“Basilizwi has been the lead organisation for the past 14 years, it is a great achievement and this function actually epitomises that the honour we have received from the community and donors.”

Mumpande bemoaned lack of support, but pledged more assistance to ensure improvements on all the misunderstood Tonga communities.

Basilizwi Trust was established in response to the socio-economic challenges haunting the Zambezi Valley owing to unprecedented displacements initiated in the 1950s to give way for the Kariba Dam.