#YourTown campaign: AfriForum contributes to a greener future

The AfriForum branch in Germiston on 15 October 2019 planted ten trees at the School of Achievement in Elspark and the Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston. According to Elize Hern, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Germiston branch, the organisation has already planted more than 2 500 trees countrywide.

“By planting indigenous trees we are not only preserving our environment and making it a more beautiful place to live in, but 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 Hern.

AfriForum annually focuses on both a tree species that occurs commonly and a scarce tree species. The common tree for 2019 is the marula (Sclerocarya birrea), while the scarce tree is the apple leaf (Philenoptera violacea). AfriForum encourages its members to plant indigenous trees that thrive in their environments.

“Every tree we plant makes a lasting difference in our communities. However, trees are in need of continuous care to prosper to the benefit of everyone and the learners undertake to supply this care. It is symbolic of the fact that we are here to stay and have hope for the future,” concludes Hern.

The branch encourages the community to continuously plant indigenous trees and subsequently contribute to a greener future.

Send an email to marie.naude@afriforum.co.za to become involved with AfriForum’s environmental affairs portfolio.