Biodiversity Day celebrated at Audi (22 May 2010)

Audi and Food & Trees for Africa once again touched the soil of Olievenhoutbosch for some good work. 500 trees were distributed on this day of 22 May 2010 to the residents of that community. This day marked the International Day of Biological Diversity and it was celebrated in style. The theme for this day was; Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation.

The Community Foresters, Solomon Mondlane and Mookho Chaka arrived as early as possible to transport trees from the nearest police station to the tree distribution event spot. The programme started at 9am.

(smiles from the community members)

Solomon Mondlane took on the stage and greeted everyone who was present and introduced all members of FTFA and representatives from 50/50. He did not forget the sponsor Audi for their commitment in greening of Olievenhoutbosch. He also highlighted the day celebrated, the International Day of Biological Diversity. He couldn’t stop speaking without cracking jokes relevant to what trees are all about, “...trees are good for socialising. It is under the tree that you could share love stories with your love one. Telling your woman all the good news, is done well under a tree on a hot day.” Said Solomon Mondlane who was a Programme Director for the day.

Mr. Solomon introduced Mr. Cedrick Tsela a community leader of Olievenhoutbosch for a welcoming speech, who greeted the community with joy and quickly experessed his joy for what Audi and FTFA are doing for the community of Olievenhoutbosch. “We are quite aware that Audi and FTFA had been planting trees in our community for sometimes now, and many trees can be easily identified in around our community.” Said Mr, Cedrick.

(Mr. Cedrick Tsela, community leader)

He pleaded with the community to look after their trees so that the sponsors can be encouraged to support them again and again; “who knows, we might also be assisted to start a food garden in our area.” Said Mr. Cedrick Tsela. He asked the people to behave through the distribution event and to show appreciation for the trees given to them. Finally he welcome everyone at the event.

Solomon Mondlane, the programme Director introduced the next speaker, but before that he apologised on behalf of the Poet who was running late for the event. He then introduced the next speaker being, the Trees for Homes Programme Manager from FTFA, Ms. Joanne Rolt.

(Community member happily holding her trees)

Ms. Joanne started by greeting everyone and introducing herself to the community. She appreciated the continous sponsorship of trees by Audi and for their commintment and love for the environment. She also reminded the community about the celebrated day, the International Day of Biological Diversity. “Audi and FTFA are committed to plant more trees in this community, and that is possible if the community show interest in this project.” She spoke well to the applause of the community.

Mr. Tsela was again called to make a vote of thanks, and lastly Ms. Mooko Chaka did the demonstration on how to plant a tree.

(Ms. Mookho Chaka, community forester)

It was then that trees were distributed to each household member. Smiles and giggles were exposed on the face of the community members. It was a remarkable moment to see people carrying their trees heading back home. “You are doing a good job guys, and I would like to see our community as green as possible for our generation to enjoy.” Said Mrs. Mhlongo who was carrying her tree on her head.

“I’m very happy of the job you are doing. We now have small promising shadows and our houses are getting more value because of the trees we plant.” Said Mrs. Dlamini.

(Ms. Joanne Rolt, TfH Programme Manager)

Overall, the event went very well. The Community Foresters and the Community Based Educators were able to control the proceedings of the people who were collecting trees. Audi the sponsor and FTFA were a talk about names amongst the residents.