August 30, 2005
By Buhle Makabane
MORE than 50 years ago a seed was planted in Kliptown; that seed has grown into a beautiful tree that casts its branches over all who live in our country.
This was said by Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry Buyelwa Sonjica at the launch of Arbor Week at the Kliptown Multi-purpose Centre in Soweto on Monday, 29 August. Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo accompanied her.
"That seed was the Freedom Charter and the tree it bore was freedom," Sonjica said.
Masondo said Arbor Week should be about getting all South Africans to select and plant indigenous trees and other relevant species that would not have a negative effect on the environment.
Kliptown residents rub shoulders with Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo and Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry Buyelwa Sonjica
The event was not just about planting trees; it was also used to note the absence of trees in the southern part of Joburg.
"Too often planners and communities overlook the long-term benefit of trees and only see their aesthetic value," said Luther Williamson, the managing director of Johannesburg City Parks. "The theme for Arbor Week, 'Plant a tree, grow our future', underlines the impact and importance of plant and tree life in the race for survival."
Project partners Total South Africa, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Food and Trees for Africa, Mercury Media and City Parks attended the launch, which included a musical tribute by the Total Miagi Orchestra.
As part of the event, seven trees were planted at the recently upgraded park in Kliptown, witnessed by many community members. Masondo, Sonjica and other project partners took turns planting the trees.
The park, which has a stream running through it, has been transformed into a green lung for residents. A temporary bridge has been installed to benefit Kliptown and Klipspruit residents.
"I am told that within a few months this place will have been transformed into a beautiful park with 640 indigenous trees," Sonjica said.
Looking to the future of the park, she added, "Like those other planters half a century ago, what we are doing here today will echo through the generations."
Gordon Mullers, who lives in Kliptown Extension 10, said he was very excited about the new park because it brightened up the environment and gave people the opportunity to relax within their own community.
Andrew Hilton, a Kliptown resident, said those who helped create the park should make the bridge bigger. "During heavy rainfalls the bridge will not be helpful at all, unless something is done to improve its standard."
Mercury Media, the government-appointed media strategy and buying agency for national Arbor Week, would replace the temporary bridge, according to chairman Pat Nyathi.
Pupils from Ivy Primary School, the winners of City Park's competition 'My Dream Park'
After planting the Kliptown trees, Masondo accompanied the minister on a guided tour of Thokoza Park in Rockville, Soweto. It was upgraded and reopened to the public in 2002. It includes the recently rejuvenated Moroka Dam.
"The minister wanted to see ... a finished park," Masondo explained.
The lawns, green trees and Moroka Dam impressed Sonjica, who said Thokoza Park was a prime spot for socialising.
The mayor was doing a great job of responding to President Thabo Mbeki's mandate to green the townships, she added.
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