On Sunday, 1 September, City of Johannesburg was presented with the prestigious National Arbour City Award 2019 in Port Elizabeth. The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Maggie Sotyu, to launch National Arbour Month in South Africa.
This award recognises local and metropolitan cities that have excelled at all levels of sustainable development, and the adjudicators were particularly pleased with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos (JCPZ). What impressed them most was how JCPZ dealt with the infestation of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) in the City. PSHB is a species of beetle that is associated with certain types of fungi and has been identified as a threat to indigenous trees in South Africa. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos successfully handled the infestation, saving hundreds of trees in the process.
This is the fourth time in its 18-year history that City of Johannesburg has received this award, and with it, the city was given a R300 000 cash prize. The large amount of money will be used to buy seeds, saplings, and trees to grow Johannesburg’s man-made forest and address the greening disparities in the city.
Adelaide Chokoe, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos Arboriculturist also received an award on the day for her outstanding contribution to the greening of the City.
“To be recognised by the highest level of government is a testament to the collective expertise, passion, and commitment of every employee at JCPZ and within the City who are consciously working to protect Joburg’s man-made forest,” stated the MMC for Community Development, councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba.
City of Johannesburg has urged all regions in the City to restore a sense of urgency to planting trees. As a result, every region in the City will host a tree-planting ceremony and get their hands dirty for a good cause. To get involved, get more information and find a list of the trees that the City would prefer to have planted, visit www.jhbcityparks.com. Photo needs to be rotated, please help.
