ZUZEKA NOMVALO

THE recent Arbor Week commemoration by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) was started with a tree-planting campaign at Clydesdale, Umzimkhulu.

Umzimkhulu Local Municipality Mayor Jabu Msiya as well as Harry Gwala District Municipality Mayor Zamo Nxumalo joined the campaign, intended to encourage the planting of trees and highlight the importance of trees for environmental sustainability. The yearly celebration of planting trees was also supported by Ezemvelo Wildlife.

A visit to a local dumping site was conducted to raise awareness about taking care of the environment. Trees were planted at Luncedo ESD pre-school.

“This is a reminder that planting trees is of great importance and it adds value to our environment because trees are a source of life. Trees cleanse the air and preserve the soil,” said Nxumalo.

He added that planting must not just end with trees but every household must have a small garden where they plant vegetables to avoid the high cost of living and poverty.