Let’s celebrate Arbor day together!!
Government alone cannot advance and tackle Environmental issues that are affecting society directly or indirectly, as ordinary citizens of Emalahleni we have a responsibility to clean our city
Vitrovian, Emalahleni Local Municipality, SiyanqobaNgamandla Diao Holdings and legitimate Environmental groups believe that we are all responsible for building a better Emalahleni through involvement, participation, voluntarism and environmental action in different areas in Emalahleni.
Government alone cannot advance and tackle Environmental issues that are affecting society directly or indirectly, as ordinary citizens of Emalahleni we have a responsibility to clean our city. With the support of Government from all levels big business such as Eskom Kusile Project and corporates around Emalahleni, the Emalahleni Arbor Day 2015 programme was formed . The concept of a National Arbor Day in South Africa ensued from 1973 following requests from various bodies.
The former Department of Forestry obtained approval in 1982 to establish National Arbor Day that has been celebrated countrywide since 1983. In 1996, the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, emphasizing its importance in South Africa extended Arbor Day from one day to a week.
The campaign has evolved into a major event that receives major publicity and public participation throughout South Africa. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is the custodian of the greening function in South Africa and as such is responsible for the coordination of the Arbor Week Campaign. This function takes place at local government level; therefore it is undertaken in partnership with local government institutions, non-government organizations and community-based organizations.
The Programme begins on September 1 in Kwaguqa Extension, on September 2 it will be at Phola, September 3 Thubelihle Kriel and on September 4 in Kwa Guqa , the official day of Arbor Day Nationally and continues throughout the week . Over 1000 trees will be planted around Emalahleni locations with the cleaning of litter taking place simultaneously. Schools will be involved in this initiative with a critical role being played by the Enviro groups to educate and assist with the formation and maintenance of vegetable gardens.
Progressive structures such as the EPWP, CWP, COGTA, CDW will be playing their role in this event contributing positively towards a better Emalahleni for all. Members of the community are urged to participate, volunteerism is an important factor in such an initiative that will have lasting effects for our society for the future.
