National Arbor Week, first week in September, celebrations got off to a rosy start when the ANC Maki Legwete branch, in Ward 11 within Mogale City planted trees in Chief Mogale Phase 2 in a move to highlight the importance of trees and to counter the much talked about global warming.
The ANC in the branch and its volunteers partnered with Mogale City Local Municipality to contribute to the environmental upliftment of Chief Mogale Phase 2.
The Ward 11 councillor, Jerimiah Molebatsi Jim, popularly known as “Bishop” in political circles, said the first tree-planting programme was part of the Thuma Mina activities.
The first documented tree-planting festival was celebrated in Spain in 1594.
In the years since, the ritual of planting trees has spread across the world. In South Africa, we celebrate and plant trees for an entire week in National Arbor Week.
The Mogale City Department of Integrated Environment Management (DIEM), official said DIEM observes Arbor Week every year in recognition of the significance of trees to sustaining life on the planet.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, trees help fight the effects of climate change. A tree can absorb as much as 22kg of carbon dioxide a year. One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.
Residents have recognised the importance of planting trees to improve the environment and I would like to commend all those involved in the greening of Chief Mogale Phase 2 and good garden projects.
The planting of fruit trees will ensure that, in the long term, the children benefit from the addition of healthy fruit to their diet, at no additional cost.
Each house was given trees to nurture, protect and be responsible for, providing them with an understanding that they have the potential to be life-changing.
Planting trees is a long-term investment in the community environment, and this initiative will contribute to a greener and healthier future for children for generations to come.
