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Wits RHI

Arbor Day Event Brings Green Solutions to Mamelodi Community

This year’s Arbor Week, celebrated under the theme ‘A Rejwaleng: Let Us Plant Trees’, took root in Mamelodi on the 5th of September 2024. The Wits RHI Climate and Health Stakeholder Engagement team, led by Pamela Tshandu, in collaboration with the Mamelodi Community Advisory Board (CAB), hosted a vibrant Arbor Day celebration with members of the local community. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting for environmental sustainability, while also empowering residents to become active participants in addressing climate change.

The significance of planting trees extends beyond environmental benefits. Trees play a crucial role in reducing urban temperatures, mitigating the heat island effect, and promoting mental well-being. Moreover, they help foster stronger social cohesion, as green spaces often serve as community gathering spots. The event emphasised the potential of the green economy, offering local residents an opportunity to tap into income-generating initiatives related to environmental sustainability.

Four key principles were shared during the event, highlighting the mindful approach required for successful tree planting:

  • Planting a seed requires more than just the seed itself – it takes care and commitment.
  • Timing is critical to ensure that the planted tree thrives.
  • Avoiding wastage of resources during the planting process is vital for sustainability.
  • The act of planting brings joy and a sense of fulfilment, both for the individual and the community.

The celebration received strong support from the Department of Forestry, which donated 100 trees to the Wits RHI Climate and Health Programme, further bolstering local climate adaptation efforts. Through this initiative, community members were inspired to take ownership of their environment, cultivate a sense of patriotism, and actively contribute to the growth of a greener, healthier Mamelodi.