At least 2 000 trees were planted by staff and residents at the Philippi Village on Friday 22 April to celebrate Earth Day.
The day is celebrated annually on April 22 to show support for the protection of environment. The trees were donated by the International Tree Foundation and the Nguni Nursery organisation.
The nursery is based in Philippi and is designed to link the Cape Flats community greening projects with trees and green opportunities for the better of the planet.
Speaking on behalf of the nursery, Fungai Zuchi described the event as one of their biggest projects. He said their aim is not just to celebrate Earth Day, but to also educate the community about the importance of nature.
“We wanted to encourage the community to preserve nature. Trees are important to our lives as humans because they release oxygen that we breathe. They give us shade when it’s hot and make our area look beautiful,” said Zuchi, calling on people to stop breaking trees to make fire.
He said their objective is also to bring in young people so that they can become the agents of change and share knowledge with the community.
Zuchi said the foundation plans to plant trees in 100 countries as part of their centenary celebrations.
According to him, the event was the only one for the hosted by the foundation in the country this year.
Lucy Mafaya, one of the community activists, described the event as an eye opener. She confessed that she didn’t take note of trees in the community.
“I used to see trees in wealthy areas but I didn’t know their significance. But with the information that I got here now I understand,” she said.
However, she stated that in the township it’s difficult to have trees everywhere due to crime because the criminals can use them to their advantage.
“I think it’s good to plant them in a certain area or at the park not between the houses. If someone wants to relax, they can go and sit at the park,” said Mafaya.