Westonaria Local Municipality in partnership with the Presidency Office, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and National Youth Development Agency hosted this year’s Arbor Week on 18 September.
Arbor week is an annual event that is celebrated from 1 to 7 September. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of trees and preserve indigenous trees throughout the country. It highlights the opportunities for sustainable economic development especially in the field of nurseries, community participation, poverty alleviation and job creation.
The occasion was graced by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela, The Westonaria Executive Mayor Nonkoliso Tundzi, Local MMCs, Councillors and officials from Gauteng Department of Health. The programme started with an unannounced and surprise visit to Simunye Clinic as part of Presidential monitoring and evaluation programme.
The theme was Forests and People Investing in our Future. The focus of the event was on greening the area. The entourage led by the Deputy Minister Manamela planted six ceremonial trees. The department has donated 1745 fruit and indigenous trees to the community.
Approximate 820 trees have already been planted and the rest will be planted. The vegetable food garden was handed over to eight beneficiaries.
Deputy Minister Manamela said, “As young people we should especially be concerned about the state of our environment. We should be looking at ways in which we can protect and nurture the environment so that we can reap its benefits now and for generations to come. Observing and celebrating Arbor Day, reflecting on the role that trees and community vegetable gardens play is an important step towards protecting our environment. Today’s young people should be heavily invested in ensuring that our environment is treated with respect,” Manamela said.
Tundzi said, “We would like to express our thanks to all government departments and AfricaGrow for making this day a success. We have decided to use this celebration of Arbor Week in order to plant trees, and to promote and create a better life for residents of Westonaria Borwa.”
