Joburg nominates champion tree to honour Madiba
JOBURG - Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo will mark International Mandela Day in Thokoza Park, by nominating the White Stinkwood - planted by Nelson Mandela in 2008 - as a champion tree.
The entity has, since 2007, marked Madiba’s birthday by planting trees.
Initially, 89 trees were planted in Thokoza Park. In 2008 the 90th tree was planted and a timeline documenting key milestones and a mural of Madiba, was unveiled.
The Mandela Orchard has since grown to accommodate 94 trees. This Mandela Day, Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, and Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile, will be joined by the secretary-general and chairperson of the ANC, Gwede Mantashe and Baleka Mbete respectively. They will distribute 67 fruit trees to those living adjacent to the park, and will plant the 95th tree in the Mandela Orchard.
International Mandela Day is marked annually to inspire society to take action to help change the world for the better.
“Mandela Day is an appeal to citizens to take a stand against litter and to advocate green and clean cities that are conducive to growing happy, active and healthy families”, said the MMC for Community Development in the City of Joburg, Councillor Chris Vondo.
Managing director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Bulumko Nelana, also appealed to the private sector in the city to support greening programmes and to roll out much-needed food gardens, particularly in schools.
