World Environment Day - TfH/Audi Distribution Event

It was a warm-beautiful day at Olievenhoutbosch on Saturday 5 June 2010. Food & Trees for Africa, and Audi SA got yet another opportunity to meet the residents of that community under “Trees for Homes” programme. This was at extension 36.

5 June is the World Environment Day. This day is celebrated all over the world annually. 500 trees were distributed to the residents of that community. We had 250 indigenous trees and 250 fruit trees. People started coming as early as 07h00. Most people were not aware that it was the World Environment Day. “What is happening with these trees?” asked one woman before the start of the programme.

Trees were already arranged the day before the distribution event. The Community Based Educators were already interacting with the residents who were very patient to stand in the colds waiting to receive their trees.

Mr. Mondlane who was the programme Director started the day’s event by greeting everyone and introducing himseld and his colleagues. He went on to thank Audi SA for their commitment in the greening of Olievehoutbosch. He also thanked Food & Trees for Africa for being there for the communities of South Africa who need them the most.

Mr. Mondlane introduced the invited speaker for the day, Mr. Solly who is the Chairman for the local SANCO. “We appreciate the work Audi and FTFA are doing for our community. We are so fortunate to be given trees for free in this age in time where everything is for sale.” Said Mr. Solly. He urged the community to look after their trees. He emphasised in the need of having more trees to fight against climate change, and adding value to their houses.

Mrs. Ntombixolo Poni was the next speaker to be introduced. She is currently volunteering with FTFA as a Community Based Educator. She was very happy to have the trees distributed at extension 36, and she urged the community to look after their trees. She also urged them to teach their children about the importance of trees in our homes. She thanked Audi and FTFA for their partnership and choosing Olievenhoutbosch to run their “Trees for Homes” programme.

Mr. Sipho Mathe was called to talk more about FTFA and its programmes. We then had Ms. Mookho Chaka who did the “Tree Planting Demonstartion”.

After that, every one was given a tree. The residents were happy about the initiative and knowing that they were celebrating the World Environment Day, “If they ask me, ‘What did you do on 5 June?” I will tell them, I planted a tree.” Said Themba Dlamini with a smile.

The event went very well and other neighbouring communities came to request that we do the “Tree Distribution Event” in their Extension. By 12h30, all trees were collected.