He lives on through his trees
His love for nature was expressed in the indigenous forest he planted.
When you take the N2 Salt Rock/ Umhlali exit, you may notice a sign dedicated to the founder of the indigenous forest, Belton Mwali who lived from 1955 to 2014.
The Umhlali-born Mwali spent many years planting trees along the green belt along the N2, creating homes for countless animals and giving people a shady spot to rest.
Mwali leaves behind a wife, Cindy, four children and four grandchildren, who will always remember him among the trees.
“He was the field manager at Claremont Farms for about 35 years and loved his job. He worked hard to grow nature in the area and to give people a green place,” said Cindy.
In the early 80s, the Salt Rock town board commissioned him to plant trees, supplied by Claremont, along the link road from Salt Rock to Umhlali. Once completed, he supplied trees to school children in the area to plant in Umhlali village.
When the N2 was built in the late 80s, Mwali was given the go-ahead to plant indigenous trees in the newly created road reserve along the N2 in the Umhlali area, which was previously sugarcane fields.
“He used trees from Claremont Farms and together with a team of guys, they planted them. Everyone in the Groutville community knew him and his love for nature. He taught us about the different trees and the animals who live in them like bats and snakes. He used to say we must not harm a snake, although it is dangerous, but it will not attack you if you do not attack it.”
His daughter, Promise, said he cared for the community and even built a church in Groutville.
“He got along with everyone and he was very kind and caring to the poor. Although he was always busy, he made sure he spent time with us. Every weekend, when he had money, he would take us to the beach or to the mall. He was a good dad,” said Promise.
Next time you drive along the N2, enjoy the trees around you and say thank you to Mwali for dedicating his life to giving everyone a greener future.
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