PROTECT OUR PLANET: March 2010

Busy at Kaalfontein

Emloyees from Investec got down to more serious work planting trees in Kaalfontein. This project was coordinated by Food & Trees for Africa. The Community Based Educators, mainly women helped out the Investec employees in the planting of tree. These women are the same women who are involved in the building of new houses in the area. “This is more like a team building.” Said one of the partcipants.

“The event really went very well. It was a long week of hard work, nevertheless it was for a good purpose.” Said Mr. Sipho Mathe who is FTFA Community Forester who had been working on making sure that the project in Kaalfontein becomes successful.

Loading the trees ready for planting!!! That's Solomon Mondlane

Trees for Homes Programme

Community: Olivenhoutbosch
Venue: Olivenhoutbosch Community Hall
Sponsor: Audi
Number of trees: 6000
Date: 09th March 2010
Community Forester in charge: Mr. Sipho Mathe
Co-community Foresters: Mr. Solomon Mondlane and Mr. Edwin Makushu

Mr. Mathe running the workshop

Mrs. Sam Chunda representative of Tshwane Municipality

The workshop was well planned though it started in a low note. We had a delay of about 45 minutes because of the unavailability of a hall. The authorities of the hall wanted an upfront payment of which Mr. Sipho Mathe was not aware of. He had organized everything with the Counselor and he was sure that everything was in order. The issue of a hall delayed the start of the workshop until the Tshwane Municipality representative, Mrs. Sam Chunda intervened. It was finally agreed that, the Tshwane Municipality will pay for the hall.

The attendance was very good. Initially we had a total number of 50 participants, but after going through the contracts with them we remained with only 28 participants who were prepared to become FTFA Community Based Educator (CBEs).

We started with the registrations of the participants, and then Mr. Sipho Mathe welcomed all those who were present including the Tshwane Municipality representative, Mrs. Sam Chuda.

Mr. Sipho Mathe introduced the sponsor, Audi to the CBEs. He thanked the sponsor for their support towards the “Trees for Homes Programme”. He also briefed the CBEs on the FTFA’s background.

CBEs at Olivenhoutbosch

CBE presentation

Mrs. Chuda was requested to introduce herself, to the delight of the participants. She explained her role and their involvement in greening and combating climate change. He also emphasized on how happy there are to be working hand in hand with Food & Trees for Africa as a Municipality. “Food & Trees is the most wonderful organization to work with.” She said. She also thanked the sponsor for their support in the “Trees for Homes Programme”. “Without Audi, such a programme in Olivehout wouldn’t be possible.” She said.

Mr. Edwin Makushu co-facilitated the workshop with Mr. Mathe and Mr. Solomon Mondlane. Mr. Makushu first had to get the expectations of the CBEs. Some expected to be permanently employed; some to learn more about the trees and some had no idea of what they wanted to achieve from the workshop. He also went on to explain the roles of the CBEs and what is expected of the FTFA.

Mr. Solomon Mondlane went on to explain the CBEs’ contract. This is where some pulled out from the workshop. Those who remained signed the contracts by the help of Mr. Mondlane before breaking up for lunch.

Mr. Makushu divided the group into 3, and gave them different tasks to work on which they were later on required to do presentations. Some of the topics covered were; water management, care and maintenance; and urban benefits.

After a wonderful presentation by the CBEs, Mr. Mathe went through the same topics with the CBEs. We then took a break for lunch. After lunch Mr. Mathe with the help of Mr. Edwin and Mr. Solomon conducted a tree planting demonstration. After that the participants were given evaluation form.

Overall; the participants were very happy about the workshop. “I got a lot which I leant from the workshop.” said one CBE.

The participants were much aware about the sponsor and the support they were giving to FTFA in greening Olivehoutbosch.