MIDDELBURG – The pre-launch of 1 Million Trees for Mpumalanga commenced in Rockdale, Ward 6, on Tuesday, 20 February. The Steve Tshwete Municipality’s Physical and Environmental Development (PED) collaborated with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, along with the Department of South African Environmental and Waste Management Organisation.
It is reported that a total of 500 indigenous trees have been planted thus far at the newly constructed RDP houses in Rockdale North two weeks ago. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment plans to donate 300,000 trees for Steve Tshwete residents as part of the program.
Bathobile Shabangu, MMC for Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation, and Environmental Health, elucidated the importance of tree planting. “Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife,” she emphasized.
In 2007, Mpumalanga’s Highveld area, including some parts of Gauteng, was declared a priority area under the Air Quality Act due to being a pollution hotspot. The Highveld is home to 12 of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations, Sasol’s Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, and coal mining operations, among other heavy industries. The mining, transport, and burning of coal are responsible for the overwhelming majority of outdoor ambient air pollution in the Highveld.
Tshepiso Tau, chairperson of the South African Environmental & Waste Management Organisation, expressed the necessity for producing clean air for local residents, especially in the Steve Tshwete and Emalahleni regions, which are home to the largest climate injustices resulting from daily coal production from the surrounding mines. “Global warming, in addition to other factors, contributes to the climate disaster we are facing in the world today. We call upon all the surrounding mines to play their part in green initiatives, which will lead to the production of clean air,” he urged.
The municipality also urged residents to apply for indigenous trees through the Physical and Environmental Development department. For more information on the application process, please contact 013 249 7319 or email billethm@stlm.gov.za.
