1 day - 1 community - 1000 trees
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Saturday 24 September 2011 saw more than 500 South Africans coming together in Manenberg to plant 1000 trees in celebration of our country's natural heritage on Heritage day. After planting, deserving tree planters all shared a huge braai as it was also National Braai Day.
1000 indigenous and fruit trees were planted in 12 schools, the local police station, the bus terminal, community gardens and the Manenberg Waterfront. Proceedings started at local NGO Proudly Manenberg situated at the Manenberg Waterfront and celebrations ended here too.
At 8:30am, planters started arriving -- there were principals, teachers and parents from all the 12 schools getting trees; a bus load of school learners from Hershel School; a group from the German School; a group from the Kay Mason Foundation; groups of friends; planters from the Department of Human Settlements; staff from RamsayMedia, Equinox, PACE, NAMKWA -- so many people came together to plant trees and be part of this important urban greening project.
Before planting, students from Red River Primary school led everyone in singing the National Anthem and Mo from Mfusion Danz warmed the planters up with some awesome dancing to tunes by Mango Groove.
Then it was time to plant -- planters were split into 14 teams and went off to their respective schools to get their hands dirty.
While planting a tree with his child, a Manenberg parent commented, 'Its very important that children are part of the process. That means they are more likely to care for the trees in the future.'
Another parent added, 'I did it when I was a child and I loved it. I wanted my children to have that too.'
A few learners where asked why planting trees was important:
'Oxygen!'
'They give us shade, wood and air.'
'Sometimes, planting trees is fun' -- a very earnest young boy said.
One of the volunteers was asked why she came to plant today:
'I wanted to say I had planted 1000 trees. Its a pretty remarkable achievement'.
Another volunteer commented:
'Its very difficult to know what to do to help the environment. I always forget to unplug my charger, I drive when I can walk. So this feels like I have been proactive in some way when in comes to preserving the planets future.'
George Lamont from Proudly Manenberg commented: 'It's important for the children to plant the trees and name them so that they feel connected to them and care for them in the future,'
Lauren O'Donnell from Greenpop said: 'This mass urban greening initiative brought so many people together to plant trees -- something that benefits everyone. The community spirit and positive attitude of all 500 tree planters was incredible. Greenpop is working closely with Proudly Manenberg and the school principals to set up a grey water system, which sees the learners watering their trees. We are also holding environmental education workshops for ground staff and teachers in partnership with Kirstenbosch and SANBI. Today went so well and we are excited to do more community greening projects in the future.'
Minister of Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela closed the day by planting a big Syzigium Cordatum (Water Berry) with Misha from Greenpop and George Lamont from Proudly Manenberg at Proudly Menenberg.
After the Minister's words of inspiration, 500 tired planters enjoyed a delicious and well deserved braai together. Veg sausages were sponsored by Fry's Vegetarian and Ice Tea was shared with everyone by Bos Ice Tea. Music and festivities carried on into the afternoon.
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Jeremy Loops - Mission To The Sun 'Howling"by makhuluproductions6,158 views
great... we are going for 500 trees
w1wtreeplanting 1 month ago
I like it @makhuluproductions. What kind of camera do you use?
Danaetp 4 months ago