24 May 2006
Community Development Workers (CDW) selected by municipalities across
Gauteng planted several trees in Berea, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 24 May 2006,
as part of a presidential training programme.
The theme for this training programme of over 250 young people is
âSustainable Developmentâ and topics range from the impact of greenhouse gases
on the planet and society.
Partners in the programme include the University of South Africa (UNISA) and
Food and Trees for Africa, which is a lead organisation involved in carbon
dioxide reduction through the planting of trees for underserved and
disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
The programme involves the carbon standard which is a landmark programme
that allows everybody to play their part by ensuring that their office
buildings, schools, homes and meeting places are carbon neutral through the
development of carbon sinks.
Project Co-ordinator Elisabeth Mokotong said the selected CDWs are on a
one-year training course that involves learning many different skills.
âOnce they have received their qualifications they will return to their
communities to implement a range of community upliftment and development
projects,â said Mokotong.
One of the CDWs who attended the training, Bella Makgatho of New Eersterus
in Tshwane, said she believes that the programme is important because planting
trees is a form of nature conservation.
âToo many of our people live in communities where the environment is
degrading and demeaning to their humanity so there is a need to raise awareness
among members of our communities,â said Makgatho.
âWe have a responsibility to build a cleaner, safer and healthier
environment for our people. We have to work on it now for the sake of future
generations,â said Thamsanqa Mgudlwa, a CDW in the Sedibeng District.
The CDW programme is a flagship programme of President Thabo Mbeki that was
piloted in Gauteng before being rolled out to other provinces and
municipalities. It has since been rolled out across wards in Gauteng to enable
residents to access government services and augment the work of ward
committees.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
24 May 2006
