SCHOOLS and mental health facilities in the south of Durban recently benefited from a generous donation during a tree-planting initiative.
Engen employees, together with Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA), eThekwini Municipality’s South Durban Basin Area-Based Management (SDB ABM) and local community representatives, planted a total of 88 trees.
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Attending the event, Engen enterprise risk and assurance general manager, Siphokazi Vabaza, and Engen stakeholder engagement and transformation manager, Dr James Xolani Nyawera, thanked all volunteers and partners for their contribution and attendance.
Nyawera said Engen was grateful for the opportunity to partner with Food and Trees for Africa and play a part in greening the neighbourhood.
“The planting of indigenous trees is a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management which benefits all. We hope that this tree-planting drive will help improve the quality of life of residents in the area,” said Nyawera.
Of the 88 trees that were donated, 30 were planted at Wentworth Secondary School, eight at Merebank Secondary School and 50 at the Durban Coastal Mental Home.
In addition, another 32 trees will be distributed and planted at South Durban schools and mental health facilities over the next couple of months, taking the total donation to 120 trees.
Susan Evans, events and tree distribution manager at FTFA, thanked Engen for their contribution and said that strategic greening initiatives enhance the fundamental safety net that non-government organisations provide in developing countries.
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“In addition, these trees will improve access to green spaces, add to biodiversity and, once planted, will also offset about 44.28 tons of carbon dioxide over a 40-year tree growth period.
“The tree-planting volunteer day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, enabling 20 Engen employees to get involved in a hands-on and meaningful way, while contributing towards building community relationships,” Evans said.
Nyawera said, “It is Engen’s firm hope that this initiative, as well as our other south Durban greening projects, drives sustainable co-creation with local authorities and communities to create further opportunities that enhance the lives of local communities.”
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