AfriForum Pretoria branches contribute to greener future
Tuine High School in the west of Pretoria was not the only school or institution to receive trees last month.
Tuine High School in the west of Pretoria was not the only school or institution to receive trees last month.
More than 150 indigenous trees were planted in the greater Pretoria by AfriForum’s neighbourhood watch groups in September as part of the civil rights organisation’s annual tree plant month project.
According to Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum District Coordinator for greater Pretoria, the project aimed to plant trees in places where the organisation has structures and thus contribute to a greener future.
Some of the trees planted included marulas, apple leaves, heathlands and black karees.
“By planting indigenous trees, we not only preserve our environment and make it a nicer place to live, but we also show that we have hope for the future,” said Grobbelaar.
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“Trees are much more than just an important part of the ecosystem or an essential natural resource – trees are symbolic of life.”
AfriForum focuses annually on both a common tree species and a rare tree species. The common tree for 2019 is the marula (Sclerocarya birrea), while the rare tree is the apple leaf (Philenoptera violacea).
However, AfriForum encourages its members to plant indigenous trees that are native to their environment.
“Tree Plant Month provides the perfect opportunity to make a lasting difference in our communities.
“However, trees need continuous care to flourish for the benefit of all – and the AfriForum branches in Pretoria undertake to provide this care. It is symbolic that we are here to stay and have hope for the future,” said Grobbelaar.
AfriForum branches in Pretoria that participated in tree planting are Waverley, Moot, Wes-Moot, Pretoria West, Moreleta Park, Roodeplaat, Rayton and Cullinan, Bronkhorstspruit, Centurion and Meyerspark.
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In the East Moot branch, members planted trees at Dagbreek Centre, an institution that pays special attention to disabled children.
“This school also has a shortage of cool places for learners,” said branch chairman, Gideon van Deventer.
He said the day was a huge success and filled with fun.
Dagbreek Centre head, Estelle van Heerden, said they were very pleased about the trees that were planted.
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“What a privilege to be able to receive trees that are a symbol of life and growth for us,” she said.
“May this be a reality in the lives of our children and young people.”
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