Tshwane urges residents to assist it go green

The Tshwane metro has launched an environmental programme aimed at keeping the Capital City clean and green.

Adopt-A-Spot is run by the environment and agriculture management department, which is responsible for the urban greening initiatives and programmes of Tshwane.

MMC for Environment Katlego Mathebe said Tshwane started the initiative to encourage the public to take care of the environment.

“Residents can do their part by removing unwanted clutter such as illegal dumping, alien vegetation and performing overall management and maintenance activities in parks and other public open spaces.”

She said the programme helps the city fight ecological degradation, illegal land use, illegal dumping, criminal activities and the lack of safety in public open spaces.

Mathebe said the programme was focused on underdeveloped or semi-developed municipal properties zoned as public open spaces in partnership with civil society organisations and residents.

“We also provide indigenous and fruit trees on request from residents.

“The department is also involved in communities by providing over 1 000 trees to different communities to green their open spaces as part of the Botho ke Botle programme.

“The 2022/23 financial year – which is not yet over – has provided over 1 800 plants to communities.”

She said Batho ke Botle targeted the seven regions of Tshwane.

Mathebe said through Botho ke Botle, Tshwane wanted to enhance the aesthetics and ecological functionality of public open spaces.

“Much more still needs to be done, but we believe our efforts are yielding positive results.”

She said to educate the public, a workshop was recently held on environmental issues and biodiversity to help the environmental sector.

“These workshops are effective measures to provide understanding, sustainability and changing the perception and attitude towards environmental concerns.”

Mathebe said climate change and waste pollution was a serious issue across the city.

She said part of the workshop was to provide educational awareness and avenues for community members to explore to protect their environment.

“Our environmental education section is mandated to provide awareness campaigns on various environmental issues. The City also enforces bylaws, in which perpetrators of environmental transgressions have punitive measures against them.”

Mathebe said Tshwane was driving the “green” revolution for a sustainable city.

She said this month, Tshwane was embarking on numerous environmental initiatives to commemorate Arbor month.

“The sustainability of our economy and our efforts at creating new opportunities for our residents rely on the intensive responsibility we have towards the environment.”

Mathebe said opportunities for new jobs in the “green economy” would arise if residents assisted the metro to enable a green environment.

“Our residents should be empowered to be active and informed by the individual roles they can play regarding waste management and safer spaces.

“Our residents are urged to take part in the City’s initiatives and commit to protecting the environment.”

She said this year, Tshwane was focused on encouraging communities to participate in various greening activities within their own neighbourhoods and promote the planting of Pompon trees to tackle carbon emissions.

For more information on activities and events taking place in Arbor month contact Kamogelo Mangena at kamogeloman@tshwane.gov.za.

Any request for adopting a spot for greening or plants may be made to Ntokozo Xaba on 012 358 8814.

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