The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's One Billion Trees programme recently visited five schools in Chatsworth, South Africa. The schools, including Southlands Secondary, Sathya Sai Primary, Monterena Secondary, Mzamo Mandela Primary, and M Padavatan Primary, participated in a tree-planting campaign. Deputy Minister Narend Singh and National Council of Provinces deputy chairperson Les Govender attended the events. The programme aims to contribute to the country's greening efforts.
The One Billion Trees initiative has its roots in an initial pledge to plant one million trees. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa later raised the target to one billion trees, recognising the long-term benefits of greening the country. According to Singh, the initiative has made significant progress, with seven million trees planted across South Africa on September 24 alone. This achievement demonstrates the potential for large-scale environmental projects.
During the visits, Singh and Govender participated in tree-planting activities and handed over supplies to the schools. The supplies included gardening equipment, books, and waste-sorting bins. Singh emphasised the importance of caring for the trees, encouraging pupils to water and protect them to provide shade and support local wildlife in the years ahead.
Singh also highlighted the threat posed by alien invasive plants to biodiversity, soil, and water supplies. He recommended the free iNaturalist app to help pupils identify and record plants. Additionally, he encouraged pupils to reduce litter, sort waste, and recycle at school and at home. The deputy minister also spoke about environmental careers, including science, pollution control, and marine research.
Govender, who introduced Singh at Southlands Secondary, shared his personal experience of working at the school as a clerk before qualifying as a teacher through part-time studies. He encouraged pupils to pursue their ambitions, emphasising that progress requires effort and commitment. Govender's message resonated with the pupils, who were eager to make a positive impact on their environment.
The events at the Chatsworth schools were part of a larger effort to promote environmental awareness and education. Singh stressed that Arbour Week and tree-planting activities are not just one-day events, but rather a commitment to the future. The One Billion Trees programme aims to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
The success of the One Billion Trees programme depends on the involvement of communities, schools, and individuals. By working together, South Africans can make a significant impact on the environment. The programme's achievements so far demonstrate the potential for collective action to drive positive change.
Key points
- The One Billion Trees programme has planted seven million trees across South Africa on September 24.
- Deputy Minister Narend Singh encouraged pupils to care for the trees and protect them to provide shade and support local wildlife.
- The programme aims to promote environmental awareness and education, inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.
