The AfriForum branch in Alberton planted 12 trees at the park on the corner of Collins Road and Kritzinger Street on 14 September 2019, as part of the civil rights organisation’s annual arbour month project.
According to Chris Fourie, chairperson of environmental affairs at AfriForum’s Alberton-branch, the organisation intends on planting more than 3 000 trees countrywide this year. One tree was planted for each of the important pillars of the Alberton community: Safety and security; youth; local government affairs; environmental affairs; the local schools; the local newspaper; the AfriForum branch and – most importantly – the community.
“By planting indigenous trees, we are not only preserving our environment and making it a more beautiful place to live in: We are also showing that we have hope for the future. Trees are much more than simply an important part of the ecosystem or an essential natural resource – trees are symbolic of life,” says Fourie.
AfriForum annually focuses on both a tree specie that occurs commonly and a scarce tree specie. The common tree for 2019 is the marula (Sclerocarya birrea), while the scarce tree is the apple leaf (Philenoptera violacea). However, AfriForum encourages its members to plant indigenous trees that thrive in their environments.
“Arbour month offers the perfect opportunity to make a lasting difference in our communities. However, trees requires continuous care to prosper to the benefit of everyone – and AfriForum’s Alberton-branch undertakes to supply this care. It is symbolic of the fact that the trees are here to stay and have hope for the future,” Fourie concludes.
The branch encourages the community to become involved with the project and become part of a greener future.
Email marie.naude@antiek.afriforum.co.za to get involved in the local environmental affairs of AfriForum.
