Eskom’s tree planting a commitment to growth

The power utility has committed more than R800 000 of sponsorship to Kids Haven.

October 4, 2025

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Planting a mango tree are Kids Haven chairperson Stanley Botopela (left), Malima Mavhungu (Gauteng Provincial Government’s Environmental Department), and Dumi Nthongoa (senior manager at Eskom’s NTCSA Central Grid). Photo: Jani de Beer

“Growth and success is rooted in the care. A tree can only grow strong if the environment is balanced and healthy.”

This was the message from Dumi Nthongoa, senior manager at Eskom’s National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) Central Grid, during an Arbor Month celebration held at Kids Haven on September 25.

Flanked by representatives of the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) Community Safety Department, Rand Water, and Gauteng Provincial Government’s Environmental Department, Nthongoa and his peers committed to not only greening the facility but also building a partnership which could offer developmental opportunities to the youth in its care.

Eskom NTCSA Central Grid’s Tobile Bokwe explained how recycling of bottle tops can ensure that members of the community have access to wheelchairs. Photo: Jani de Beer

“As part of Ekom’s commitment to plant 1 020 indigenous trees to celebrate 102 years of providing electricity to the country, we identified Kids Haven as an organisation that we would like to support,” he said.

“Today we plant five trees on the organisation’s grounds as a symbol of our commitment to assist it in its growth. We are rooted in its ongoing work among Benoni’s youth.”

He announced that more than R800 000 worth of resources in the form of kitchen appliances, multi-media equipment, school shoes and more will be delivered to the facility by the end of November.

“Offering our services to organisations such as these is not enough; we need to embark on a journey with their beneficiaries, moulding and shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Spokesperson for Rand Water, Dikeledi Maluleke, had fun with the children, likening their growth to that of a tree. Photo: Jani de Beer

Echoing his sentiments, Dikeledi Mluleke, spokesperson for Rand Water, told the Kids Haven children that they are saplings spreading their roots to anchor them to the ground.

“Your roots are still small and fragile, but the ground where you are planted, Kids Haven, is safe,” she said.

“You are being nurtured and tended to by loving hands that urge you to grow. Although it may seem like growth is slow, in time your branches will offer shelter to your peers and your success will become the seeds that inspire others to follow.”

Speaking on behalf of the CoE’s Community Safety Department, Papi Masimang urged the youth to take ownership of the environment.

CoE Community Safety Department’s Papi Masimang urged the youth to be their truest self and not a reflection of their circumstances. Photo: Jani de Beer

“Respect yourself and the environment that you live in will follow,” he said.

“When you respect yourself, the environment will become a reflection thereof. Respect is a seed that, when planted and cultivated, spreads into the hearts of others.”

Kids Haven chairperson, Stanley Botopela, thanked all the stakeholders for not only teaching children about the importance of conservation but for showing them that they are part of a bigger community, committed to seeing them thrive.