September 4, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
ARBOR Day sprung with the planting of 6 000 trees in the record-breaking time of 10 minutes at the launch of the Green Soweto legacy project on 1 September.
Part of a Johannesburg City Parks project that aims to plant indigenous trees to green and beautify Soweto by the 2010 Soccer World Cup, trees were planted along Old Potchefstroom Road, Vincent Road and Mooki Road.
Arbor Day in Soweto and trees are planted along Roodepoort Road
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
Amongst the enthusiastic participants in the planting ceremony were Johannesburg's executive mayor Amos Masondo, 2010 ambassadors Jomo Sono and Lucas Radebe, learners from 60 different schools around Soweto, City Park employees and businessmen.
The initiative is part of the City's long-term goal of planting more than 100 000 trees over the next five years. "Our intention is to turn the south into a vast urban forest," said Masondo.
He explained that though Johannesburg has the most trees of any world city and looks like a rain forest from a satellite in space, its urban forest is not evenly distributed, and the south is generally denuded and dusty.
Through the programme, the City seeks to enhance awareness and promote the planting of indigenous trees, encouraging communities to participate in the greening activities in their own neighbourhoods.
"We are highlighting the important role that trees play in building sustainable human settlement and a resource for development," he said, adding that greening does not only beautify and soften the landscape but also provides people with quality private spaces.
An amount of R7,6-million was allocated in the City's budget earlier this year for the greening project, with more resources contributed by other sponsors. Of these, Sappi donated R450 000, Coca-Cola R300 000, Juta R200 000 and Aucor Actioneers R20 000.
"We are confident that this contribution will result in a growing environmental consciousness in our communities and an increased participation in conservation projects," said Masondo.
He called on other organisations and businesses to join the initiative and become part of the effort to make Joburg and Soweto a place they can all be proud of.
With Soweto experiencing huge significant investor interest, Masondo said they expected the momentum to grow closer to the 2010 World Cup
"Let us create a sustainable environmental legacy for all future generations," said Masondo, "lest we forget we are building a World Class African City."
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