Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, was today in the Eastern Cape to take part in a tree planting ceremony which had two parts to it, one being at the Hegebe Lower Ngqungqu community and another at the residence of former President Nelson Mandela in Qunu. This ceremony was held in partnership with CarbonWorx, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the community of the Hegebe led by iNkosi Phathekile Holomisa, as well as the Champions for the Environment Foundation which is chaired by MP Bantu Holomisa. This partnership is looked upon as a model for public private partnership and what it can achieve.
The tree planting ceremony is a pilot project that looks at raising awareness on the benefits of trees and particularly the need to look after the trees for longevity. The trees being planted today are also those that are indigenous to the area.
At the Hegebe part of the ceremony Minister Sonjica made the point that:
“History tells us that your forefathers occupied coastal land with rich forest which included a wooden savannah. With the good predictable rainy seasons, the lush grass in the land easily supported livestock grazing and was also a home to abundance of wildlife.”
One of the issues that came out was that there is a desire even for the birds and insects that used to be resident in the area return and for the community to also appreciate what nature can and does provide.
The ceremony was attended by the local royalty, clergy, local and district politicians, as well as the community including learners. It is hoped that this advocacy programme will ensure that the trees are not cut or vandalised for a period of at least thirty years.
In Qunu the ceremony was a way of appreciating and celebrating the ninety-two years of the former President’s life. Ninety-two trees have been planted.
“Trees are the lungs of mother Earth. They improve the health and beauty of the local environment and guarantee a green future for our country. There could not have been a better symbol to show our appreciation of Madiba’s enduring vision selfless sacrifice, exemplary leadership and rich legacy than this tree planting ceremony,” Minister Sonjica said.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Spokesperson for the Minister
Cell: 082 874 2942
E-mail: rataus@dwa.gov.za
