As the country celebrates Arbor Week from September 1 to 7, Ipeleng Cares Foundation (ICF) based in Fleurhof decided to honour and celebrate their heroes within the community of Fleurhof in a special way.
‘Plant a tree for a community hero’ is an initiative started by ICF in partnership with The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG) to honour community members who are serving and giving back.
Founding director of ICF, Ipeleng Mofokeng told the Record that this year they would honour three families in Fleurhof who are also serving in the Fleurhof CPF.
Wagheed and Barbi Davids were the guests of honour who received the national tree (yellowwood) planted at the public park next to the Recreation Centre at the corner of Winze Drive and Malacite Street in Fleurhof to honour their family.
“The Davids are some of the elders in the community who have been the glue that has kept it all together for the younger families,” said Mofokeng.
The Karriem family were also guests of honour and received the lavender tree planted in their honour.
According to Mofokeng, the Karriems have always been selfless and willing to serve the community.
“I have acclaimed the family to be ‘healers’ of our community and encouraged them to continue to heal and bring comfort as the tree they have been honoured with,” said Mofokeng.
The third guest of honour was Mrs Augustine Phiri who represented the Phiri family that was also honoured with a black bug tree for their tenacity and willingness to serve selflessly.
The black bug is a fruit- (berry-) bearing tree that edifies, and the family was encouraged to continue to be edifiers of the community.
“It is not every day that you come across people willing to leave their families during night time to patrol and keep our community safe; it is an act of selflessness and an act by heroes,” added Mofokeng.
Chairperson of the Fleurhof CPF, Brad Campbell also addressed the community on the day and expressed his appreciation as well as shared why he chose these families to receive the trees.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), as the custodian of forestry in South Africa, is responsible for South Africa’s annual Arbor Week campaign.
The aim of Arbor Week is to promote and create a better life for all.
