Newsroom

By Zwi Maphiri, Maphuti Machabaphala and Matsobane Manaka

Call for South Africans from all walks of life, three spheres of government, private sector, faith formations, business, traditional leaders, NGO’s and youth to increase the rate of planting trees, was intensified during celebration of Arbor Day.

Leadership of Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) and Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and Mogalakwena Local Municipality took the lead in planting trees at Ga-Lekalakala Sports Ground, Tiberius Village, Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Waterberg District.

About 1500 citrus and indigenous trees were planted in line with this year's theme, "My Tree - My Oxygen - Plant Yours Today".

The celebration was part of the 1 Million Tree Campaign of the Presidential Ten Million Tree Flagship Project under which South Africa sought to plant 10 million trees over five years (2021-2026) through the National Greening Programme. “The day further sought to create awareness that explore the opportunities for sustainable environment, social and economic development, community participation, poverty alleviation and job creation in forestry, thereby contributing towards growth, development, and a better life for all”, said Mpho Mashamba, Head of Department. She highlighted that for this 7th administration alone, 1 million trees are targeted for planting, with Limpopo allocated 115,000. “This initiative is not just about greening,” she said, “it is about fighting poverty, advancing food security, and improving nutrition in rural communities.”

In his keynote address, NgoakoThulani Taueatsoala, Mayor of Mogalakwena Local Municipality indicated the importance aspects of conserving trees: “Trees produce oxygen while using up carbon dioxide. Soil is conserved by trees; falling leaves and needles decompose providing rich nutrients for the soil. The roots of trees prevent soil erosion and tree canopies reduce flooding and rainfall run-off”.

He indicated further that the LandCare Programme which is community-based, and community-led natural resource management is currently spending its R14 million allocation to deal with unsustainable land management practices that contributes to greening. “These projects are mainly dealing with the rehabilitation of the state of environment through soil conservation and veld management”, he mentioned. He stated that the LDARD through its flagship programme of LandCare Programme has spent its budget by constructing fencing for 22km in Taolome, 50 ha grazing rehabilitated, 35 km fencing in Mphello and 80 ha grazing rehabilitated, in Kgabagare-Dipichi where 45 km and 35 workers employed through EPWP. 

He called community to action to ensure environmental conservation and development of the country, while contributing to greening. On the other side of the token, Taueatsoala encouraged community to refrain from cutting trees; stop veld and forest fires, citing that it destroys life. “Government will be failing in its duty if does not caution the public on a bigger threat to our trees, plantations and indigenous forests in the form of veld fires”.

Arbor Day is celebrated annually to instil a sense of responsibility for the environment we live in, especially the trees. We need to take care of our trees in our homes, streets and in parks. The presence of these trees in our surroundings adds to the values that we derive from the environment. Remember the trees are an important green heritage of our country. Please take care of them, concluded Taueatsoala.