Muifha Tshifhiwa
Delegates witness the planting of False Olive tree at Mhinga village in commemoration of Arbor week.
Cutting down of trees for firewood or medicinal use need to be done in a responsible manner, not only to preserve indigenous forests and other natural resource, but to preserve them for future generation.
Trees have wide range of roles that play in human existence including the provision of oxygen, medicine, shade, prevention of soil erosion, protection of houses by deflecting strong winds, and trees have commercial value.
The hosting of Arbor Day recently at Mhinga Tribal Authority at Mhinga village, Vhembe District meant to amplify the role trees play and emphasise the importance of replacing the cut trees. Community members were advised to refrain from cutting down trees as this practice could exacerbate the conditions of climate.
In their address, Marcus Mukwevho, Hosi Mhinga and Councilor Mivelani Chauke were collectively called upon the community to protect the environment against any harm.
Professor Mkwambani Hlathi, a well-known traditional health practitioner, appealed to fellow traditional healers to refrain from cutting down trees when they extract medicinal roots. “We have the responsibility as traditional leaders to protect our forests from becoming deforestation.” Hlathi continued that the traditional healers in Collins Chabane Municipality in partnership with Kruger National Park have established a nursery for medicinal trees. “This was done to protect the forests and traditional medicinal trees”.
Chauke appreciated the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for its effort of greening the province in partnership with other stakeholders.
Arbor Day is celebrated annually during the first week of September. It encourages the community to plant, celebrate and maintain trees, be it natural or fruit, throughout the country.
Traditional healers were urged to refrain from cutting down trees when they extract medicinal roots.
Cllr Miyelani Chauke addresses the delegates at a briefing session during Arbor week at Mhinga village.
Mukwevho Marcus highlights the purpose of Arbor week during a briefing session at Mhinga village.
Professor Mkwambani Hlathi says traditional healders in Collins Chabane Municipality in partnership with Kruger National Park have established a nursery for medicinal trees in a bid to protect the forests and traditional medicinal trees.
