Tsakani – The Plenty Green Africa NPO, partnering with Oribi South Africa, recently held a campaign called Green the Community at Buhlebemfundo Secondary School.
The aim was to foster community development and raise awareness about tree conservation and protection while encouraging a greener environment.
The campaign was also a fundraiser to help the NPO raise funds to maintain its activities at its community garden at Buhlebemfundo.
Gardener, researcher, eco-activist and co-founder of Plenty Green Africa, Nkululeko Motloung, said trees are part of the green infrastructure townships historically lack, saying trees contribute to cooling, improve air quality and are a habitat for various animals and insects.
“Trees also provide humans and animals with food and contribute positively towards improving soil quality.
“We planted trees and fruits at the school. The initiative was well received by the community members and grades eight and 10 learners, who were involved in planting indigenous trees, painting activities and seed sharing,” he said.
He added that the NPO shared educational information on trees and methods of planting and caring for them.
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“We educated on the importance of planting indigenous trees, such as the olive tree, known in Zulu as umnquma.
“This tree is evergreen and found in all nine provinces, more often near water. Its leaves can make tea and be used for medical purposes,” he added.
Motloung said Oribi provided them with food systems information and how it could be applied, saying they amplified the fundraiser within their networks.
He thanked the organisations, businesses and NPOs that contributed to their initiative. He said the initiative at the school would be an ongoing one that aims to contribute positively to the environment’s well-being.
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