Planting trees can be a highly effective way to combat the severe impacts of climate change, making the environment safer and more livable for everyone.

This was the message relayed by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environmental and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, as the City of Tshwane gears up to plant 20,000 trees across the municipality.

Tshwane’s tree-planting initiative will support the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment’s “One Million Trees” campaign, launched at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, aiming to tackle climate change, food insecurity, and promote biodiversity.

Ramabodu said: “As the City of Tshwane, we are on board and we are pledging that we are going to contribute towards this programme of one million trees and we will be doing it in the townships, in the Early Childhood Development centres, in the churches and schools.”

He called on communities to support the initiative, stating it would create a safe, healthy environment, help mitigate climate change, and ultimately protect the well-being of the people

To fulfil its part in the one million trees campaign, the city will plant at least 20,000 trees in different parts of the municipality.

Ramabodu said: “Trees are crucial for a healthy planet and thriving human societies. Trees filter pollutants from the air, trapping dust and other particles on their leaves, branches, and trunks. They release oxygen, which is essential for human and animal life. 

“Studies have shown that access to trees and green spaces can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even prevent neurodegeneration.”

Mpho Mathalauga, a horticulturist at the Pretoria Botanical Garden’s South African Botanical Institute, mentioned that there are 11 tree banks for plant storage, and the one in Pretoria will also be used to store plants donated as part of the campaign.

“We already have over 700 trees donated, and so this speaks to how people are supporting this initiative of one million trees. The trees will be planted in all the towns and the townships across the City of Tshwane and Gauteng. We are happy to participate in this and to see the city endorsing this initiative to ensure that the residential areas have trees as well,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of trees in bringing health benefits and greenery to residential areas.

Mathalauga urged citizens nationwide to preserve trees, avoid cutting them down, and instead plant more, emphasising that this is crucial in addressing climate change, as many areas currently lack sufficient greenery.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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