The MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr. Norman Shushu established food gardens and planted trees for the impoverished Platfontein community outside Kimberley.
The establishedment of food gardens and tree plantation was part of celebrating National Arbor Week starting from the 1st to the 7th of September 2012.
The National Arbor week celebration was held in Galeshewe Stadium under the theme “Our Forests – Our Future”. MEC Shushu said by planting food gardens and trees is part of government‘s efforts to encourage every community to be a community of doers by rolling up their sleeves and start to plant. The MEC highlighted global warming as the greatest challenge to mankind and to the sector. He added that for projects to be successful, departmental experts in agriculture will assist the community.
Arbor Week seeks to highlight the opportunities for sustainable environment, social and economic development, encourage community participation, poverty alleviation and job creation in forestry thereby contributing towards growth, development and better life for all. Whilst greening refers to an integrated approach to the planting, care and management of all vegetation in urban and rural areas, and to secure multiple benefits for various communities. It further intends to;
- Raise awareness of South African’s urban and rural greening initiatives,
- Promote a better understanding of trees, particularly indigenous trees and fruit trees,
- Highlight the important role trees play in sustainable development and livelihoods of people and their environment.
- Encourage communities to participate in various greening activities within their own surroundings
- To promote the role of fruit trees in household food security when integrated with other programmes.
Trees were also planted within the precinct of Galeshewe stadium in commemoration of fallen heroes and community builders in the area. About 1000 fruit and ornamental trees were planted and two hundred household food gardens in Platfontein. The planting of fruit and ornamental trees is also ongoing as part of the week long Arbor Celebrations.
The launch was also used as a platform to award the best City Awards which was won by the Khara hais Municipality in the Northern Cape while Johannesburg scooped the best metropolitan award. Both municipalities each won a cheque of R 300 000.
The event was held in partnership with the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, The Provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Total SA and the Sol Plaatjie Municipality.
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services – Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong –External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
Email: pmanankong@ncpg.gov.za
www.agrinc.gov.za