On Mandela Day, Bridgestone continued its long-standing commitment to contributing to the communities close to where it operates, by planting trees and creating food gardens at various schools in the area.
In previous years, the organisation has worked with schools in the Brits area where its manufacturing facility is located.
This year they are extending this partnership to a school in the Midrand region where their head office is located.
Operations manager for the consumer division at Bridgestone Southern Africa, Chantel Baxter said the company is excited to work with the vibrant Midrand and Tembisa community and alongside a wider range of NGOs to foster sustainable growth and kickstart lasting change.
To mark Madiba’s injunction to support the next generation, Bridgestone planted 20 fruit trees and 10 indigenous shade trees, as well as created a food garden at Peter Zongwane Primary School.
“Bridgestone aims to provide its clients with end-to-end mobility solutions, and we apply the same thinking to our initiatives to make a positive contribution to the communities with which we co-exist,” said Baxter.
“The orchards and food gardens we are creating in partnership with Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) aim to deliver a sustainable solution to the challenge of inadequate nutrition faced in many of our schools, which can affect learning outcomes.
“Orchards and food gardens provide nutritious food for learners and the surrounding community, and the training provided by FTFA also transfers valuable skills to help community members achieve food security by making their own food gardens at home.”
An added bonus is that the shade trees complement the orchards, further contributing to the overall upliftment of the community, and providing a pleasant environment for learners.
Baxter explained that last year’s projects at St Catherine Primary School and Segwetlhane Primary School in Brits delivered positive results.
Following a successful tree-planting exercise, FTFA held a training workshop to assess the site and introduce volunteers to permaculture.
Furthermore, subsequent workshops covered planting techniques, garden maintenance, pest control, soil health, and water conservation.
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