GAUTRAIN GROWING WITH ALEX COMMUNITIES

In celebration of National Arbor Week, Gautrain participated with disadvantaged communities in Alexandra where trees are much needed.  The school where trees were planted by Gautrain Project Leader, Mr Jack van der Merwe is Ekukhanyisweni Primary School.  Moses, a volunteer from Kholofelo Ya Josefa Centre Alexandra introduced Gautrain to the school. Ten trees were also left at Gordon Primary School, which will be planted once the building of the school is complete. Five more trees were planted at Kholofelo Ya Josefa Centre Alexandra.

Gautrain Project Leader, Mr Jack van der Merwe planting trees with learners from Ekukhanyisweni Primary School.

The trees were grown at Tshad (Thembisa Self Help Association of the Disabled), a place where mentally and physically disabled people are given employment. The trees that were grown by Tshad employees are: Peltophorum Afrikaner; Combretum; Rhus Lancea; and Kigela Afrikaner – all indigenous trees.

National Arbor Week serves to promote awareness for the need to plant and maintain indigenous trees throughout South Africa, especially for the many disadvantaged communities who often live in barren areas. Every Arbor Week celebration highlights two specific trees, one common and one rare species.

Arbor Week intend to:

• Promote a better understanding of trees, particularly indigenous trees Highlight the important role trees play in sustainable development and the livelihoods of people and their environment Encourage communities to participate in various greening activities within their own surroundings
• Raise awareness of South Africa’s urban greening initiatives

Forests form an important part of South Africa’s natural resource base and make a significant contribution to the economy. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry plays a key role in developing, managing and regulating the country’s forest resources. The Chief Directorate: Forestry manages commercial and indigenous forests, offers community forestry services and provides the policy and regulatory framework for the sector as a whole. The Chief Directorate is responsible for the National Arbor Week campaign.

In South Africa, Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1983. The event captured the imagination of people who recognized the need for raising awareness of the value of trees in our society. As sources of building material, food, medicine, and simple scenic beauty, trees play a vital role in the health and well-being of our communities. Collective enthusiasm for the importance of this issue in South Africa inspired the national government, in 1999, to extend the celebration of Arbor Day to National Arbor Week. From 1 to 7 September every year, schools, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in community “greening” events to improve the health and beauty of the local environment and propose a green future for South Africa.