National Arbour Week is an annual initiative aimed at promoting a green environment and encouraging the country to plant trees. This year, South Africa observed Arbour Week from 1 to 7 September.
On Friday, 6 September, Ward 83 community members were joined by their councillor, Florence Roberts; the MMC for Finance, Funzela Ngobeni; the MMC for Economic Development, Leah Knott; and City Parks for a tree-planting ceremony at Caledon Park.
The event had sentimental meaning for many of those who attended – not only were trees planted for environmental purposes, but a tree was also planted in commemoration of a fallen community member who was well known and loved by all who knew him. Hendrik Wehmeyer tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in March 2019 and the tree that was planted symbolises the permanent mark he left on the community.
The country is currently facing extreme trials with the widespread lawlessness and the scourge of violence and femicide. As a result, two moments of silence were observed during the ceremony, one for Hendrik and one in honour of all those who have lost their lives as a result of the recent attacks.
In light of the violence, Councillor Roberts spoke out, saying that we need to do more. Liking a Facebook post that says ‘Do More,’ is not enough, we must reach into the community and actively try to make a change, because even small things make a huge difference. “If you just listen, you can resolve the issue; if you just listen, it helps people articulate their pain so they can unburden themselves.” She said that her call is a call to action, to do more. Funzela Ngobeni, in his speech, reiterated this point and added that children should be raised to respect all human beings.
Andreas Oberlechner, chairperson of the Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch (RNW), gave the tribute to Hendrik who was a resident of Ward 83. The RNW has adopted a practice whereby flowers are delivered to families in the community upon the death of a family member. “Flowers have a very limited lifespan, and all too soon they end up in a wastepaper basket, wilted and forgotten,” said Andreas. This is why, in appropriate circumstances, a tree is planted as a more permanent reminder of the impact the person had on the community.
Hendrik died a few weeks before his 21st birthday, during a time when his family was moving to New Zealand. He, however, had chosen to stay in South Africa, wanting to live and work here. This is why an indigenous tree, the Buffalo Thorn, was planted. The tree was also planted for other symbolic reasons, with its zigzagged twigs showing that life is never straightforward, and the pairing of curved and straight thorns showing our paths in life; the straight thorn symbolising where we are going and the curved thorn showing where we have been.
Hilda Thaba, from City Parks, spoke about the importance of trees and how essential they are to the planet, before showing everyone how to plant a tree. The community members and officials in attendance then gathered for the planting of the first tree. Five trees were planted on 6 September, and the other 10 will be planted during this week.
MMC Leah Knott gave the closing remarks and thanked everyone in attendance, especially the Laerskool Helderkruin learners, who opened the event with the singing of the National Anthem.
