Greening of Olivienhoutbosch Continues

(FTFA- Trees for Home Manager found new love during the tree distribution event)

Sponsor: Audi
Service Provider: Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) http://www.trees.co.za/

Community: Olivienhoutbosch

Programme Manager: Ms. Joanne Rolt

Community Foresters: Mr. Solomon Mondlane (http://www.mondlaneministries.blogspot.com/) ; Mr. Sipho Mather (Senior CF); Mr. Luck Xaba (Senior CF); Mr. Sylvester Ngwenya; and Ms. Mooko Chaka.

(I will grow with it, let me take it home)

Audi and FTFA continues their good work in the community of South Africa. The 18^th April 2010 became the second day of Audi-Trees for Homes- trees distribution. This distribution took place when there was a school parents' meeting. We had to delay the distribution of trees due to the meeting.

(Joanne got closer to the residents)

Those who were not for the meeting queued outside the school premises, leaning by the fence. The Community Based Educators (CBEs) had time to speak to them trying to build their patience.

(True African Mama)

The Community Foresters; Solomon Mondlane, Lucky Xaba (senior CF), Sipho Mathe (senior CF), Sylvester Ngwenya and Mooko Chaka were busy working on a plan which they were to use to distribute the trees to the residents. The Trees for Homes Programme Manager, Ms. Joanne ‘Jo’ Rolt was there observing the situation and taking pictures. The plan was; “Two groups were to be formed. One group for those who had invitation letters, and they were to be given trees first; and the other for those without invitation letters, and they were to come second”.

(For my grand-children)

This announcement was made to the residents during the meeting which was still in the process; and to the those who stood outside the school premises by the fence.

(No beauty without green)

The meeting ended, and the people did as they were instructed; those who had invitation letters on one side, and those without on the other side!

The people were aware of the sponsor being Audi. They were heard commenting, “Thankyou Audi for the trees which will help us with shade and fruits.”

Mr. Moloyisi was thankful to the sponsor, “Thanks to Audi. They must continue to support us in the near future; and they are invited to come and enjoy the fruits with us. They must not just sponsor, but they must come and enjoy with us.”

“This will fight climate change. Thank you!” Said Mr. mashiyane.

Community Forester; Sylvester Ngwenya ensured that there was no confunsion amongst resident by keeping the invitation letters of those who got the trees. There was too much of shouting and the giving of orders and instructions by the Community Foresters and CBEs. Some residents would want to take more than one tree, and some would come for a second tree after hiding the first given one.

“We are thankful to Audi as we will boast with shade and fruits.” Said one joyful woman with a child on her back.

Mr. Ramphila said, “ I like shade trees for me to socialise, and I like fruit trees for me to eat. Thankyou Audi and FTFA!”

“Thankyou! Every December we will eat fruits.” Said Mr. Mokoena.

By mid-day, the people were still coming in numbers for the trees. They were given ‘How to Plant a Tree flyer’ for the guide line on how one can plant a tree.

The Overall event was a success expcept for few arguments with those who were not interested in joining the queue.

Most people were very much aware of the sponsor. Ms. Joanne and Solomon ensured that the event was recorded on camera.

“Audi must continue to help”, said Grace Modise.