Green Revolution - Chapter 6

Jeunesse Park 

Despite its relatively dry climate, Johannesburg has over ten million trees, and it is now the biggest man-made forest in the world. Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan. The city is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline.This is where Jeunesse Park the founder of Food & Trees for Africa was born, at Florence nightingale hospital situated in Orange Grove, Hillbrow on 29 December 1953 to Mr Universe, Reg Park, also known as The Legend in the bodybuilding world, and then prima ballerina, Maréon Park. Some years later her brother Jon Jon, who went on to be a champion South African and an Olympic swimmer, was born.

(African Green Captain, Jeunesse Park)

Jeunesse started travelling at the tender age of six months, and later experienced diverse cultures whilst residing in various cities within Europe, Asia, America and Africa over the years. Her life was full of adventure. She lived between London and Johannesburg, but her parents carried her with them most of their tours. She lived for a while with her grandparents in England where she did her early childhood schooling. She then moved to Italy at the age of 5. She was back in Johannesburg at age 7; and she went to Saxonwold Primary and then Redhill where she was head girl and victrix ludorum. She completed high school in 1970.

Jeunesse loves South Africa! She loves the weather; the abundant sunshine and the deep blue skies for most days of the year. South Africa bubbles with wonderful, culturally diverse people. A colourful canvas of different foods, religions, beliefs and traditions are blended together to make up the amazing nation of the people of South Africa. “Well, living here and seeing the sun shining most of the days is what defines the beauty of our country.” She said in one of our conversations. She is much happier here in South Africa than being in England. The temperatures are usually mild and the climate invites to a great outdoorsy lifestyle which is the opposite in England. She comes from a humble background, and she’s not even ashamed of her humble beginnings.

“Solomon, life in England was not as good as here in South Africa.” Said Jeunesse. “We lived in a small house with one bathroom down the block for all the neighbours. We had no privacy, it was polluted, grey and freezing cold.” She continued. “I would never exchange this country for any other country in the world.” She emphasized.

Like many South Africans who emigrated seeking a new life elsewhere due to apartheid, Jeunesse left South Africa when she completed school. She was 17 years old. She believes that touring around the world made her to be strong and helped her to mature so fast in life. For her, touring became a University of Life Learning. She had many experiences and interacted with people from all walks of life, and she grabbed so many opportunities she came accross. She can now use that to get her way to anyone she wants; either a business man in Sandton or taxi driver in Soweto.

She missed South Africa though, and followed the home news with great interest everyday, hoping for a great miracle to happen. It was impossible to guess how the revolution would come one day in South Africa. But in a world where all ordinary people were insisting on their rights, it was inevitable. She dreamed of a free South Africa, of racial tolerance and a better future for all people living in it.

The negotiations between the then National Party leader FW de Klerk and the ANC; that led to the release of the first black president of South Africa Nelson Mandela in 1990 gave her hope; hope of coming back and live in her country of birth. She now saw the relevance of her future in South Africa. It was towards the late 1980’s when she decided to return home, this time from Australia. In 1989 Jeunesse wanted to do something meaningful for the country seeing that apartheid was heading for its downfall. That’s when she decided to form a greening organisation called Trees for Africa which is well known as Food & Trees for Africa today. Jeunesse is considered as a captain of green revolution in Africa and a relevant reference to any greening project currenlty taking place in South Africa. She is a mother of green and she is very passionate about greening and everything she can.

When she came back to South Africa she was already married with 3 children; Tamarac, Jhana and kaya. She recalls how she spent most of her time under the tamarack trees in Canada when she was pregnant of her first born son. Finally when her son was born, she named him Tamarac in honour of the tree that spiritually natured him long before he came to existance. She loves the uniqueness of a tamarack tree. This tree is one of the enormous redwoods, and one of the few conifers that turns fall colours and loses its leaves.

Life was not that fun for Jeunesse as she was going through a divorce, and she had 3 children to look after. But that couldn’t stop her from pursuing her green dream. She had done her research properly and she discovered that most organisations in South Africa were into animal conservation and her kind of organisation was to focus mainly in settlement environment. Her home garage became TFA’s first office and she was the only committed staff member.

She knew that it would not be an easy journey ahead. She had to be more creative to get TFA off the ground. A friend in Australia advised her to get in touch with Radio 702. This Gauteng radio station was about to launch some greening projects. She took the advice and got in touch with Radio 702, and she was easily introduced to the Jewish National Fund, JNF. The JNF was running a project called Tree Planters of Israel; and when she introduced her idea it was easily accepted. “FTFA is where it is today because of Radio 702 and the JNF.” Said Jeunesse. She was even employed by the JNF at a salary of R2 500.00 a month. Prior to this job she had worked in big Corporates as a Public Relation Officer, Events and Marketing Manager. She used her experiences to nurse the TFA.

She first called a meeting of different local organisations inorder for her to sell the green idea she had. She had a strong belief in team work, but to her surprise no one came. That’s when she realised that in South Africa, people were not interested in working together.  She then met a friend by the name of Mike Edwards. He encouraged her to call another meeting of individuals representing the then major greening organisations of South Africa. They came together with the realisation that the real environmental crisis in this country centred on people, uplifting quality of life and addressing climate change. Mike Edwards helped her to pull together these green people with great green minds, and the meeting was a success.

The JNF introduced her to lawyers and accountants who helped setup the organisation. Jeunesse is proud to say that the same lawyers and accountants are still part of FTFA 21 years later. Trees for Africa as it was known was launched in a style. This launch was attended by high profile business men and women. They also had the presence of the media. Amongst those who attended were two twin Jewish brothers by the names of Sparo and Crock. These were the first sponsors of TFA who donated R15 000.00. The launch marked the beginning of Jeunesse’s busy greening schedule.

The launch was followed by a black teachers meeting. She saw it as a great idea to work with teachers in this greening initiative. The meeting was well attended. She sold her ideas to the teachers and were well welcomed.

With her 3 little white babies in her car’s back seat and a pile of trees, she drove from one township to another like a mad white old witch. Most of her friends thought she was crazy; how could she have gone to such dangerous black areas with small kids. It was still believed that black people were up for a revange after the release of Nelson Mandela. Inspite of all that, no one could stop her. She loved being in townships and she loved the spirit of Ubuntu amongst the black communities. Spruitview and Alexandra became the first townships to benefit from the TFA’s greening projects.

Her first employee at TFA was a young black man from Alexandra Township, Sam Mhlungu. Jeunesse speaks bodly about this man. “He heard me speaking from Radio 702.” Said Jeunesse. “Many people who called spoke against my greening ideas, but a call from Sam Mhlugu was different. She praised me and even took my contact numbers.” Sam Mhlungu called Jeunesse offering to volunteer. “This is an amazing man Solomon.” Said Jeunesse with a bold smile when she mentioned the name Sam Mhlungu. Today Sam is a businessman and one of the first black landscapers in South Africa. 

From FTFA website

Since its formation, FTFA has assisted tens of thousands of people and remained in touch and often ahead of South Africa's democratic and more sustainable development. 

It was in the 1994 Review that then Chairman, the late Dr Enos Mabuza, wrote that FTFA's urban renewal programme had planted over 62 000 trees that year. He acknowledged that the symbolic value of the exercise far outweighed the immediate environmental impact, but even then the organisation's emphasis was on the importance of environmental upliftment as a critical factor in urban renewal. Enos was convinced that FTFA was well positioned to participate in the development of long term environmental education programmes, particularly since its work was already endorsed by the Departments of Environment and Education. 

1995 saw the launch of what has become a nationally acclaimed programme, EduPlant, initially funded by Eskom Community Development to motivate schools and their communities to green and grow food naturally. It saw too the growth of the Community Nursery project, described as "one of TFA's most tangible contributions to the RDP, providing business and horticultural skills, as well as accessible plant material for township dwellers." 

1995 was also a watershed year in that FTFA was nominated to the United Nation's Global 500 Roll of Honour, This establishing FTFA as one of the world's leading organisations whose local efforts enriched the global environment. In addition, FTFA received the Department of Environment Affairs National Conservation Award for "outstanding achievement towards effective conservation and sustainable utilisation of the environment to ensure a better qualityof life for all South Africans". Further recognition came with requests for assistance from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), an association that has continued since. 

In 1996 EduPlant had come into its own, ahead of the introduction of a new curriculum that included integrated environmental education. Ringing endorsements included the then Minister of Agriculture's statement, "A competition that raises awareness of food security amongst the youth...deserves support. I gladly endorse your competition and would urge schools to enter...". FTFA was proud to be one of the first organisations in South Africa to recognise permaculture's essential principles for the sustainable and responsible use of resources and promote it nationally at school level.

That year FTFA contributed to the planting of 115 424 trees in 511 projects nationally and ran 30 workshops with some 60 community based organisations. FTFA also produced two publications, The Nursery Manual - How to set up and run a community nursery and South Africa's first grassroots Permaculture Manual, that emerged out of many workshops with educators, community based organisations and others. 

The 1997 Annual Review reported further approbation from Professor Kader Asmal, then Minister of Water Affairs &Forestry, who described Trees for Africa as "a dynamic, progressive and accountable NGO." In providing vital support services to communities through training, awareness and workshops on practical issues such as food security and water wise gardening, FTFA was praised for its consultative community based approach and the consequent high success rate of its projects. It reported increasing partnerships with government at all levels. It received the TOTAL Environmental Care Award at the SABC/PMR emPower Awards. 

1998 began on a sad note with the death of recently retired Chairman Enos Mabuza. The organisation, however, remained in good hands with the election of Windsor Shuenyane as Chairman. Windsorhad been closely associated with TFA since its inception nine years before and was ready to take the organisation into the next phase of operation which included changes to TFA's infrastructure. 

Transformation, growth and development were still at the forefront of South Africa's focus but tempered by the growing realisation that economics had to be factored into the development process to ensure sustainability. FTFA, once again ahead of its time, had already made a major policy shift in this direction by requiring all applicants for trees to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their trees. The response was exceptionally positive and the year saw over 150 000 trees distributed, many during National ArborWeek. 

Jeunesse played a significant role in the introduction of the concept of urban forestry, co-authoring a paper on Urban Forestry Key Issues. Recognising that over 66% of our population would be living in urban areas by 2000, the Urban Greening project was under way with funders including the Danish Cooperation for Environmental Development (DANCED) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. With support also from the Green Trust,FTFA began working with local authorities and communities in Gauteng to develop parks, nurseries, street trees and other greening projects. The work was extended to the municipalities of Port Elizabeth and Kimberley, providing a model for other local authorities. 

The impact of EduPlant continued, enhanced by the organisation of nine "introduction to permaculture" workshops for government and teachers. Jeunesse was appointed to the National LandCare Steering Committee and the Urban Agriculture Task Team and DWAF appointed FTFA and Progreen as coordinators for all Arbor Week promotions. 

1999 was FTFA's tenth year as South Africa's leading greening organisation. Jeunesse won the Mail & Guardian Green Trust Award. A long-awaited programme, "Trees for Homes" received funding from USAID. The Eskom EduPlant Competition attracted increased support from DWAF and funding from Tikkun and the Jewish National Fund, allowing the running of workshops for educators in all provinces. 

The Urban Greening Strategies booklet, sponsored by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, was published to support local government and partnership urban greening programmes. 

2000/2001 was a time of change. The organisation changed its name to Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) to reflect the increased focus on food security through permaculture food gardening activities. The year end was changed from March to September in order to optimise on fund raising opportunities by issuing audited financial statements prior to the calendar year end. 

Several major programmes were implemented. With significant DWAF support (R1,2 million) the Urban Greening Fund started linking local government authorities to the numerous local civic organisations requesting assistance with tree planting and food gardening projects, particularly in the townships. DWAF also donated R2 million to the Eskom EduPlant Programme, now run in association with Tikkun. EduPlant reached an estimated 54 800 learners, 3 860 educatorsand some 7 400 community members in this year. The first phase of the USAID-funded Trees for Homes programme was completed with over 57 000 trees planted.

FTFA was involved in several major initiatives, such as the Department of Agriculture's national Land Care programme and the Presidential lead project for Urban Renewal in Alexandra.

The 2002 Annual Review, now covering the period up to the end of September 2002, naturally highlighted the United Nation’s third World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg.WSSD delegates were shown areas where FTFA programmes were in place, leading to an immediate R1 million funding commitment, with promises offurther funding. Another WSSD highlight was the participation of world leaders including Britain’s former Prime Minister Tony Blair, UN Ambassador Michael Lakeand EU Head of Environment Margot Wallstrum in FTFA-organised tree-planting ceremonies in the townships during Arbor Week. FTFA attracted this support because it was seen to be a cost-effective service provider which delivers, and implements projects that are self-sustaining.

In 2003 a number of changes in partnerships took place, with the Woolworths Trust replacing Eskom as the major funder of the much-praised EduPlant programme. USAID funding, which had supported Trees for Homes since its inception, also came to an end. Barloworld came to the rescue, but FTFA began looking for a new partner for this project. There was praise for partners who had provided much needed core funding. The Green Trust's 12-year partnership subsidised two posts. While it was hoped that the Green Trust would continue its support, Deutsche Bank was welcomed as a new supporter.

FTFA extended its operations to assist organisations working in the field of HIV/AIDS, helping to reduce the potentially devastating effects of the disease by establishing permaculture food growing projects at clinics, schools and in public open spaces.

In 2004 FTFA was a finalist in the Mail &Guardian "Greening the Future" Awards and won both the Gauteng and National categories of the Institute for Housing South Africa award for Community Upgrader of the Year. 43 projects were implemented, over 3800 educators from all over South Africa attended 57 permaculture workshops, over 300 workshops were held for communities and trees were planted in 122 communities. Over 32 000 "Trees for Homes" were distributed and 11 000 more trees were distributed at 58 Arbor Week events. Three of FTFAs projects came 1st, 2nd and 4th in the 2004 Nestle Community Nutrition Awards competition. FTFA was the only NGO to be a finalist in the Association of Chartered Certified AccountantsSustainability Reporting Awards.

And 2005 saw:

·        293 communities received 55 433 trees through the national tree distribution programme

·        41 active permaculture food gardening projects

·        5 200 educators from all over South Africa attended 87 permaculture workshops

·        Over 500 workshops were held for other communities in the past year

·        Permaculture gardens established in 36 communities. 15 additional gardens have been completed.

·        7 005 Trees for Homes for 14 different communities and 250 community members trained

·        615 community members were trained in basic urban greening this year

·        15 000 trees were distributed at 125 Arbor Week events

·        New'Green Lungs' project provided short-term employment for over 160 community members. FTFA distributed to 30 000 low-income households 30 000 fruit trees and 60 000 packets of vegetable seeds plus seedlingsf or 3 000 home food gardens.

In 2006 the Carbon Standard was launched along with the first ever South African carbon calculator on FTFAs website. This catalysed global warming awareness in South Africa and encouraged several companies and individuals to start offsetting their carbon emissions through FTFAs tree planting programmes.

In 2007 FTFA was rewarded by the huge interest from local and provincial government in greening projects. Ekurhuleni Metro launched their greening project funding over 18 000 trees to be planted through the Trees for Homes programme for residents of this sprawling municipality. The Mpumalanga Province launched their greening initiative, the first provincial initiative in South Africa, by partnering FTFA to plant 40 000 Trees for Homes!

2008 saw massive new interest in FTFAs activities, with the recognition by several major corporations that the National Tree Distribution and Trees for Homes programmes are one of the most reasonably priced and effective carbon offset options in the country and offer good marketing opportunities. Many are using the new and updated carbon calculator on their websites and linking to FTFAs very well visited site. The Mpumalanga government launched the second phase of the Greening of Mpumalanga, now a Premier's flagship project. The Greening of the Cape Winelands also entered its second phase. The staff component grew to over twenty and a volunteer programme was launched. Two television commercials were flighted pro bono and Talk Radio 702 ran a climate change radio spot for FTFA. Prof Mohale Mahanyele took over the Chair as long standing Chairman Mr Windsor Shuenyane retired.

2009 started with great sadness at the loss of founding Patron Dame Helen Suzman. It also started with great support from some government departments and companies. FTFA continued working towards international carbon accreditation for its tree programmes which opened many new doors for funding and facilitate those who choose this offset option to trade. Trees for Homes recorded over 550 000 trees distributed and 5 400 community based educators trained and given stipends. 

Ekurhuleni Metro started the third phase of their greening project aiming to see a fruit tree for every low income household. The National Tree Distribution Programme (now called Trees for All) continued to receive applications from schools, churches and other community centres and many individuals, small and large companies donated trees resulting in great greening and awareness activity. The Woolworths Trust EduPlant programme was successful as the leading school food security and environmental development, with the Department of Education and Water Affairs and Forestry joining SAFM as partners. The FTFA Board of Directors welcomed two dynamic new members in Kumi Naidoo (who was appointed head of Greenpeace International at the end of the year) and fabulous and well known Dali Tambo. The FTFA team grew to over 22 people working full time, putting great pressure on the humble office space.

2010, the year SA hosted the FIFA World Cup, started with huge excitement as FTFA finally was able to afford to purchase a house in Wendywood, Gauteng. Thanks to Douw Jordaan and Garth Meyer for working tirelessly through the Christmas and New Year holidays so the FTFA family could move in at the beginning of Janauary. The FTFA Khaya was opened at a great celebration attended by Board members, staff and families and friends of FTFA. Having a home (khaya) has transformed the spirit of FTFA and really created a healthy, hardworking family, now 28 employed full-time growing our garden and bamboo for all, introducing meat free Fridays, gardening and hiking together and much more. With the economic difficulties around the world FTFA is working harder and leaner and hoping that funding and support will continue to grow as the need for our greening, food gardening, climate response and sustainable development work grows. New partnerships with Renewable Energy Solutions to plant and use bamboo, Renewable Energy Certificates for electricity offsets, the Carbon Protocol of SA and getting closer to being registered for Verifiable Emission Reductions are growing the organisation. The introduction of the first SA Climate Change Leadership Awards in March 2010 showed that FTFA is a leader in climate response.  Absa and Engen joined The Woolworths Trust as partners to grow and develop EduPlant.

FTFA still works as it started, in response to community requests and through consultation with community leaders. In order to raise funding and spread awareness of the many benefits of greening activities, a proactive media campaign is maintained.

FTFAs mission is to contribute to a healthy and sustainable quality of life for all through environmental awareness and greening programmes.