AfriForum brings greenery to the community
The trees will make a significant impact on the neighbourhood's environmental aspect.
AfriForum’s Roodepoort branch recently held a tree planting to enhance urban greenery and promote environmental sustainability.
The event featured the planting of 35 indigenous trees, chosen for their resilience to the local climate.
The Roodepoort Northsider’s junior journalist Neliswa Sibiya spent the day with the team, travelling with them to all the locations they set out and had the opportunity to learn more about the different trees and the reasons why they were selected to be planted.
River bushwillow, white stinkwood, and Celtis africana were planted alongside the greenbelt in Weltevreden Park.
“I’m hoping that by planting these trees next to the river, the water will spread the seed downstream and that they will dominate on their own and populate naturally,” Pieter Huberts, a landscaper said.
George Carney from Welridge Residents Association said having these trees here will be a great asset to the area.
“It will also help the houses that overlook the greenbelt to be protected a bit more from people looking straight into their property,” he said.
Immediately after Weltevreden Park, the team proceeded to Honeydew where they met with Minda Kruger from the Honeydew Residents Association (HRA). Two trees were planted on Short Street, next to the HRA offices where the HRA plans to farm and sell wood. Five trees were planted in the veld where the HRA recently cut down invasive species and these trees, according to Minda, will help improve air quality, provide shade and support local diversity.
“With all the pollution in the area, trees are amazing, we’re planting trees as far as we possibly can. The idea of planting trees where we cut down invasive species is to bring some fresh trees and greens for the birds to nest in the summer because the place is quite open for now,” Minda remarked.
The Rest Ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary also had the opportunity to have four trees planted in their yard. The perfect sunny day made the whole tree-planting to be an amazing experience both for the AfriForum crew and the Nortsider.
“The trees are good for the environment and this is our way of giving back to the community and getting people to take responsibility,” AfriForum’s environmental representative, Rodney Churchyard emphasised.
By increasing green cover, AfriForum aims to improve the quality of life in these neighbourhoods, reducing heat, enhancing beauty, and providing habitats for local wildlife.
The organisation plans to continue its efforts in other areas around Roodepoort, encouraging community involvement in creating a cleaner, greener future.
