Arbor Day (September 1), Arbor Week (September 1 to 7) and Arbor month (September) are celebrated annually, aimed at highlighting the importance of trees and encouraging South Africans to become environmental activists by taking part in greening initiatives.
This year, Ekurhuleni celebrated Arbor Month by taking greening to another level with its mass tree planting initiative called ’11 000 Trees in 11 Minutes in 101 Wards’.
The metro achieved its objective to create an urban forest in order to combat the negative effects of climate change, as well as creating an opportunity for residents to give back to the forests that gives us so much.
The first part of the tree planting was held in Tembisa and preceded to 99 other wards in the metro.
During the campaign, the vast majority of the trees were planted in parks, and others were also planted at selected schools and public centres throughout Ekurhuleni.
The campaign reached its final point in Boksburg, on Saturday, September 12.
In Boksburg, volunteers consisting of members of the communities, EMPD, SAPS, school children and members of the newly-formed youth organisation called ‘Rise’ joined Ekurhuleni Parks employees to plant dozens of trees.
Trees were planted at Noncebo Crèche in Ramaphosa, Geppetto Pre-school in Delmore Park and the park opposite the Reiger Park public swimming pool.
The event in Boksburg featured performances by drummers and other musical groups.
Prior to the actual tree planting, the participants marched through the streets of Reiger Park, Ramaphosa and Delmore.
During the march members of ‘Rise’ were waving placards and banners carrying the words “Planting trees for a greener Ekurhuleni for the future of our children’. – @FanieBoksburg
