Marula Trees Planted to Celebrate Arbor Day And Preserve Environment

Four-hundred marula and apple leaf trees were planted in Etwatwa and Barcelona since the beginning of September to kick-start national Arbor Month, and to adorn barren spaces with indigenous trees.

The City, in partnership with Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, committed to embark on a drive to plant 1 600 trees this month in areas such as Alra Park, Duduza, Winnie Mandela in Tembisa, and Tokoza.

On Friday, 7 September, Grade six learners from Silindokuhle Primary School and the community of Barcelona in the Benoni area, joined hands with government officials to plant the marula tree at the Barcelona multi-purpose park. This is the official tree for the 2019 Arbor Month.

“Trees are a source of life. They provide us with oxygen and shade on a sunny day. Trees also serve as a shield during stormy seasons, and they prevent soil erosion. It is therefore very important for us to continue planting as many trees as possible and to educate each other about the significance of having trees in our environment. We call on the members of the community to care for the trees, not to cut them and to nurture them,” said Ekurhuleni’s Head of Department for Environment Resources and Waste Management Services Faith Mabindisa.

Arbor Day also seeks to highlight the opportunity for sustainable environmental, social and economic development, community participation, poverty alleviation and job creation in forestry, thereby contributing towards growth, development and a better life for all.

CAPTION: HoD for Environment Resources and Waste Management Services Faith Mabindisa surrounded by community members of Barcelona as she leads the Arbor Day celebrations by planting a marula tree at the Barcelona multi-purpose park on Friday, 6 September.