Call for South Africans to plant more trees

Plant more trees – this is the message from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts has announced that her department plans to relaunch an initiative aimed at planting one million trees.

The Minister added that she wants to call on all South Africans to get involved in planting trees.

“All South Africans, the three spheres of government, forestry sector, private sector, labour, academia, civil society and many others must join this ambitious campaign by pledging and committing to providing and planting trees on that specific day and going forward. Trees are important for life. Plant a tree today,” Ms Swarts said.

Addressing the media on her first 100 days in office, she said the department plans to relaunch the Presidential Ten Million Tree Programme by planting one million trees in one day. The date will be announced soon, the Deputy Minister said.

The Presidential Ten Million Tree Programme is a clarion call by President Cyril Ramaphosa to all sectors of society led by the department.

As part of the activities for the National Arbor Month campaign, 6 000 trees were planted last month.

“The launch of the National Arbor Month campaign was hosted at Freedom Park in Pretoria and the closing ceremony at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute in Middledrift, Eastern Cape. A total of 6000 trees were planted in both the localities that hosted these ceremonies,” said Ms Swarts.

“The Arbor Month campaign is aimed at raising awareness among South Africans about the importance of conserving, protecting, and planting trees for the benefit of both the environment and society.”

As part of the Arbor Month launch, she planted the first tree to officially initiate the Forest of Freedom at the designated site at Freedom Park. This was in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa’s democracy and liberation struggle.

“The first 30 trees planted at the Forest of Freedom marks the 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa. World leaders and other luminaries visiting Freedom Park will get an opportunity to plant a tree in the Forest of Freedom, when it is ready.”

Ms Swarts was reflecting on the work that has been done since her appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a Deputy Minister. The President appointed the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George, Deputy Ministers Ms Swarts and Narend Singh on July 3.