Greening of Olievenhoutbosch

It is a very hot day here at Olievenhoutbosch in the Tshwane Municipality. It is nearly 31° celsius. The community is gathered here for yet another Audi - Trees for Homes - Tree Distribution Event. It is the 10th October 2010. The event is nicknamed the 10/10/10 event hapenning at exactly 10 minutes past 10. This is the International Day of Climate Change. There are 350 trees to be distributed to the residents of this community.


“Are these trees sponsored by Audi SA again?” Asked an old lady in her mid 60s who seemed excited seeing a number of shade and fruit trees delivered from a truck by the Community Centre Park. “Yes gogo. These trees are a gift from Audi SA to the people of this community.” Whispered Mr. Solomon Mondlane, a Community Forester who has been the Project Coordinator for the Audi – Trees for Homes Programme since its launch on 16 March 2010. He is a full time employee for Food & Trees for Africa, FTFA.

Food & Trees for Africa develops, manages and promotes greening, carbon offset, sustainable natural resource management and food security programmes that contribute to poverty alleviation, improved environments, capacity building and skills development. The organisation was founded more than 20 years ago by our own Iron Lady, Jeunesse Park.

FTFA partnered with Audi on 16 March 2010 and the aim was to plant at more than 6800 trees in Olievenhoutbosch in a fight against climate change and to maintain a balance between white surbubs and black townships.

Olievenhoutbosch is one of the ne townships in the Tshwane Municipality. The are many low cost houses built in this area. Most people are unemployed. Some of them are street vendors, carpenters, shoe makers, builders and a number of taxi drivers. It is a fact that many plants were uprooted when the houses, schools, clinics, roads and churches were constructed in this site. The area could be easily defined as a small “desert” in Gauteng.

It is situations like this that pushed Audi SA to invest in the “Greening of Olievenhoutbosch Project”. Audi SA is one of South Africa’s concerned companies. It is also a way to offset its carborn emmission.

The Pogramme Director today is non other than Solomon Mondlane, well known as the “Hope of Olievenhoutbosch”. This is the man who has succesfully implemented the “Audi – Trees for Homes - Greening of Olievenhoutbosch Project” in 2010. He was awarded a certificate by FTFA for his achievement in this township.

“Today is the 10th of the 10th 2010.” Said Mr. Solomon Mondlane in his opening remarks. “The time is exactly 10 minutes past 10. Good morning - green people of Olievenhoutbosch.” He said to the amusement of hundreds of residents from around Olievenhoutbosch. Solomon Mondlane is known for his jokes when addressing the people. He is an entertainer and he makes sure that the message conveyed sinks in the heads of the people.

“We, the Environmental Soldiers are in this community again to continue our struggle in the greening of Olievenhoutbosch. Audi SA and FTFA are on the mission to change this township from a desert to a green township. Let’s shout ‘Ayoba Audi!’” Shouted Solomon. “Ayoba Audi SA!” Responded the happy residents who were waiting patiently under a scorching sun for their promised trees.

Solomon Mondlane then led the community to a ‘greening song’ before introducing his collegues; “Audi goes green!; Audi goes green!; Audi goes green!” What a green event this is. Everyone seem to know the sponsor. “Beautiful green people of Olievenhout, today we are so happy to have the Trees for Homes Programme Manager in our midst, Joanne Rolt. She is the lady behind every success of this programme. She made it possible today here in Olievenhoutbosch.” Said Solomon Mondlane facing to his Manager to an applause of the people.


“We also have Community Foresters in our midst; Sipho Mathe, Edwin Makushu, Emmanuel Sinthumule, Lucky Xaba and Mookho Chakha. These are Environmental soldiers. There are found all over the country pursuing the greening mission. We are glad that they are joining us here in Olievenhoutbosch for this Audi SA – Trees for Homes – 10/10/10 – Tree Distribution Event.” Continued Solomon Mondlane who was a centre of attraction. “... and I also form part of this team.” He added.

“The ladies you see on FTFA t.shirts...” Mondlane said pointing at the group of ten ladies who were interacting and assisting (usheringring) communities members, “... are our Community Based Educators.” Continued Mondlane.

Community Based Educators (CBEs) are community members who benefited from the Audi SA – FTFA community skill development programme. Apart from distributing trees, a number of volunteers are empowered with the environment related empowerment skills. When Audi SA identified Olievenhoutbosch as its home, the first thing that had to be done was to identify interested unemployed community members by the help of local councillors and other community leaders. In this case, fifty community members were identified; a date for a workshop was set and training of the CBEs took place.These Community Based Educators are a bridge between Audi SA/FTFA and the Community of Olivenhoutbosch. Their responsibilities range from visiting houses (Door to Door) distributing event invitation pamphlets and other informative materials such as ‘how to dig a hole’ pamphlets; ushering community members during tree distribution events; and tree evaluations throughout the year.

The CBEs have responsibilities to motivate community members to plant, love and look after their trees; it is their responsibilty to visit houses to check if the trees are planted correctly following all the eight steps of how to plant a tree; to see to it whether their trees are mulched; watered properly and to give more latest news about the environment around Olievenhoutbosch and in South Africa and the world as a whole.

“We also have our guest in our midst, Samkelisiwe Chunda from the Tshwane Municipality.” Continued Solomon with the day’s programme. “The Tshwane Municipality has been with us since the beginning of this project, and we are so thankful to their commitments and love for the community of Olievenhoutbosch.” Said Mr. Mondlane.

“Now, introducing our first speaker for today, please welcome Edwin Makushu!” Shouted Mondlane. Edwin Makushu is a Community Forester who has been with FTFA for the past 3 years. As he approached, the people jubilantly shouted, “Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!”

“Green morning Olievenhoutbosch!” Said Edwin to a loud response from the residents. “Green morning Edwin!” responded the people. “Today Audi SA and FTFA is doing it gain; Viva Audi SA viva!” shouted Edwin. “Viva!” responded the community. “Viva FTFA viva.”, “Viva!”, “Viva the community of Olievenhoutbosch viva!”, the community responded very loud, “Viva!”

Edwin briefly explained FTFA programmes to the residents of Olievenhoutbosch. “We have atleast 5 programmes running in our organisation being; Trees for Homes; the programme that brings us here today. Under this programme we only target homes. Then we have Trees for All programme. This programme targets schools and churches. We also have EduPlant programme. With this programme we promote food gardens in schools, and we also run school garden competitions. We also have Food Garden for Africa programme. In motivating our communities towards improved nutrition, FTFA introduced this programme. It is also a way to promote awareness of healthy living, environmental issues, climate change and sustainable resource use e.g. water, trees and waste. And the last one is Bamboo for All. This is a new project at FTFA.”

Edwin briefed the community about the History of FTFA and it’s work thus far. The next speaker was the City of Tshwane representative, Mrs. Samkelisiwe Chunda. She experessed her excitement about the 10/10/10 event and her appreciation to the residents of Olievenhoutbosch, FTFA and the sponsors Audi. “Without companies like Audi SA, such initiatives cannot happen.” She said.

After Mrs. Chunda’s speech, Solomon Mondlane demonstrated to the community on how a tree is planted. After that, the residents were allowed to take their trees as they were promised. It was joy to all the members of the community who wre carrying their trees home. Old and young members of the community joyfully picked the trees of their choice.
Nono Mkhize quoted Mahatma Gandhi when she said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
"It's a job that's never started that takes the longest to finish. As long as we have started greening our township, we will definitely see the results at the end." Said Lucky Ncongwane.
“We need to change the mindset of our people. If we continue doing project like this, we will definitely get our people on board. We want to see them making their own food gardens.” Said Ntate Mofokeng.
“Some of us are becoming more environmentally aware and caring for our township.” Said Themba Maluleka
“Climate change is a reality. And such education on environment is necessary.Thank you FTFA and Audi for opening our eyes.” Said Alex Mabunda.

The event of the 10/10/10 was one of the many events that were organised.

The following events were succesfully celebrated by Audi SA and FTFA in Olievenhoutbosch in the year 2010.

16-Mar-10 Event Audi - International Year of Biodiversity
27-Mar-10 Distribution Audi - Earth Hour
17-Apr-10 Distribution Audi - Global Days of Service
18-Apr-10 Distribution Audi - Global Days of Service
22-Apr-10 Event Audi - Earth Day
29-Apr-10 Event Audi - Earth Day
22-May-10 Distribution Audi - International Day of Biodiveristy
28-May-10 Event Audi - International Day of Biodiveristy
02-Jun-10 Distribution Audi - National Environment Week
05-Jun-10 Distribution Audi - World Environment Day
14-Jun-10 Planting Audi
17-Jun-10 Distribution Audi - World Day to Combat Desertification
01-Sep-10 Event Audi - Arbor Day Celebrations
04-Sep-10 Event Audi - Arbor Month Celebrations
06-Sep-10 Event Audi - Arbor Month Celebrations
16-Sep-10 Distribution Audi - International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer
10-Oct-10 Distribution Audi - International Day of Climate Change Action
10-Nov-10 Distribution Audi

Project Green

Food & Trees for Africa, FTFA once gain organised a very succesful event in Tembisa on 20th April 2011 under the theme, Project Green. This was during the celebration of earth day. Our event started at 10 a.m with a welcoming speech by Solomon Mondlane. But earlier than that, Solomon and Themba had been driving around with their loudhailer inviting people to come for their trees which were sponsored by Kulula.com. Solomon gave a brief background of FTFA and it’s programmes. He did not forget to mention the sponsor, Kulula.com for making the greening of Tembisa possible. He thanked all the members of the community for coming up in numbers to collect their trees; and he also thanked the leadership of the school for allowing them to hold this tree distribution event in their premises. By 15h30, all the 500 trees were distributed.

Quotes:

“This project is called ‘Project Green’ and it is sponsored by Kulula.com.” Said Solomon Mondlane. “Food & Trees for Africa is happy to be working with the community of Tembisa in promoting greening in our townships.” He continued.

“When this township came to existence some many years ago, trees were planted all over Tembisa. But because they cause dirt in our yards, we removed them. We didn’t know that they were so important as you have explained today.” Lucky Ngcobo a community member said.

“This is everyone’s responsibility. Our people need to be responsible for their environment. Our children can follow suit if they see us as parents initiating change in our townships.” Mr. Mabaso, a teacher at Jiyane Secondary school said.

“I have benefited a lot in today’s how to plant a tree demonstration. This will definately help me in my science lessons.” Said Thembi Dladla, one of the learners at Jiyane Secondary school.

10/10/10 Event

Food & Trees for Africa and Audi South Africa cordially organised the 10/10/10 event at Olievenhoutbosh in the Tshwane Municipality. The 10/10/10 events were happening around the world and were coordinated by the 350.org.

The residents of Olievenhoutbosch came in numbers to celebrate this special days; old and young. It was a great day which was attended by the Trees for Homes manager Ms. Joanne Rolt and the majority of the Trees for Homes Community Foresters. The programme started at exactly 10:10 with Solomon Mondlane entertaining the crowd with jokes as he was a Programme manager.

The Community Based Educacators were up and down interacting with the community members. It was a busy yet fun day. “It is the 10:10 and the date is 10/10/10...” said Solomon Mondlane to the laughter of the crowd. Though it was a very hot day, but the people stood patiently listening to all speakers presented to them.

“FTFA had been in Olievenhoutbosch for sometime now together with Audi. Olievenhout cannot do without us; Audi and FTFA cannot do without Olievenhout.” Said Edwin Makushu. “What we need to do as a community is to look after our trees. By so doing, our relationship will last for a long time.” Continued Edwin.

We had a poem by Nosipho Sibanda who called upon the residents to look after their trees because of the good work they do for us. “when you are sick, you need a tree to use its roots; when you need shelter, you need a tree; when you need shade, you need a tree. Why then do you destroy trees? Trees are a life to everyone.” Cried Nosipho.

The speaker from Tshwane, Samkelisiwe Chunda also praised the community for coming out in numbers to celebrate the 10/10/10 event which was coordinated by 350.org world wide, and organised by Food & Trees for Africa in partnership with Audi South Africa. “If you have missed 10:10, you can always celebrate one at 10:10 at night.” She said.

Solomon Mondlane closed on a high note with a tree planting demonstration. The people asked questions, “What makes a tree sometimes not to grow?”.

“Many things can make a tree to stop growing.” Said Solomon. “If you don’t take care of your tree; if you don’t water your tree. Basically follow the right steps I have taught you and your tree will grow well.”

The people were very excited as they received their trees and took pictures. “We love you FTFA and Audi” They shouted. The day was so great.

Eduplant School Competition

(Miyelani and Masingita doing it for permaculture)

(A dedicated FTFA Team)

22 September 2010

The Arbor month was a month of imparting knowledge even to our future generations. Food and Trees for Africa and Audi South Africa planted 100 trees at Bokgoni Technical High School in Pretoria, Attridgeville. “This is very important. Our childred need to be taught about the importance of planting trees. If we can start this awareness in this level, then we are sure of getting everyone involved in our fight against global warming.” Said Solomon Mondlane, FTFA Community Forester.

The event was organised for the 22^nd September 2010. It was attended by the Principal of the school, Mr. Tomothy Mathopa and the Tshwane representative, Mrs. Samkelisiwe Chunda.

“We want to believe that you will take care of this trees. This is your planet and you are the generation that must be more protective to it. Love your trees; water your trees and make sure that no cut them down.” Said Mrs. Chunda.

“Thank you FTFA and Audi South Africa for thinking of us. It is our main priority as a school to promote awareness about the environment. Our learners are aware of this “animal” called, Global Warming and its negative effects in our lives.” Said the Principal.

The event went very well with the principal planting the fisrt indigenous tree in the middle of the school yard. The learners sang “Audi and FTFA” around the tree. The tree was named after the principal.

The grade 11s and 12s were the one helpind with the planting of the trees, and we also had 5 goundsmen and two volunteers who responded to the facebook invitation. The planting process took the whole day.

Arbor Tree Distribution Event (06-09-2010)

Food & Trees for Africa celebrates Arbor month this September 2010. Our celebrations started on the first day of spring, 01 September 2010 by distributing 500 trees in the Community of Olievenhoutbosch. The celebration of the arbor month has continued up until the 06^th September 2010 with another distribution of 250 indigenous and 250 fruit trees distributed in the Community of Olievenhoutbosch.

The 06^th September 2010 was yet another beautiful green day of Olievenhoutbosch. Audi South Africa sponsored FTFA’s Trees for Home programme with another 500 trees. This event was well organised by Food & Trees for Africa.

More than 500 residents attended the distribution event in a colourful day. The programme started with Solomon Mondlaane introducing his team members. Amongst them were Mr. Sipho Mathe a Senior Community Forester and the Community Based Educators. Noted was the representative of the Tshwaane Municipality Mrs. Sam Chunda.

The arbor month is a well established greening initiative which promote and create a better life for the citizens of our country, focussing on tree planting and the benefits thereof. Our target as FTFA are poor communities, who really appreciaates the trees donated to them.

Mr. Mathe took over as a Programme Director for the Day. He introduced the CBE, Ntombixolo Poni who welcomed everyone to the event. “FTFA is like a close friend to this community, and Audi is like the chief”. Said Ntombixolo in her 5 minute speech. She advised the community to look after their trees, so that they can take care of them in return.

Mrs. Chunda was also introduced to the residents as the guest speaker, “I’m speechless.” Said Mrs. Chunda. “The work FTFA and Audi are doing is marvelous. We need more of this from Audi and FTFA. Let us support them fully and make sure we take care of our trees.” Continued Mrs. Chunda.

Ntomboxolo was given another chance to thank the community for responding to the invitations. Mr. Solomon Mondlane did the tree planting demonstration. After that, the people were given a tree to take home. Everyone was happy at the end of the event. “I really like trees, and here in the city they are very expensive. FTFA and Audi are doing a great job. Keep it up!”