National Arbour week launch

A plan to plant 4 500 trees in Soweto was launched at Mofolo City Park on Monday to celebrate Arbour Week, which runs until 7 September.

National Arbour week launch
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The project is part of a joint venture involving the department of agriculture, Total South Africa and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, according to a statement released by DAFF.

“Forestry is one of the high impact sectors in the economy that contribute positively to economic growth, foreign exchange, job creation, rural development and the development of small, micro and medium enterprises,” said Minister of Agriculture Senzeni Zokwana.

Bheki Cele, deputy minister of agriculture, and other officials planted two Trees of the Year at Metro Park. Cele later handed out 300 fruit trees to community members at Freedom Park.

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An additional 1 200 fruit trees will distributed throughout the month at the park by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.

National Arbour Week seeks to promote awareness seeking to promote awareness for the need to plant and maintain indigenous trees throughout the country.

This year’s theme, ‘Forests and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future’, was adopted from the World Forestry Congress, which will be hosted by South Africa in September 2015.

Take our Poll: Will you be planting a tree in celebration of Arbor Week?