World Environment Day – 5 June 2011

(Singing around the tree dedicated to Mama Albertina Sisulu)

5 June is the World Environment Day and it is celebrated annually. FTFA and Investec celebrated this day at Tsarogaphoka Primary School.  This event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom and his wife Dr Hanekom; the Ward Counsellor Ms M Khoza; the School Governing Body; the School Principal, Mr Kekana; Deputy Principal, Ms J Mhlongo; the Educators; the community leader Portia Lesego; Sam Mhlungu, FTFA’s origin and Solomon Mondlane, FTFA’s Community Forester.

The event started with the singing of the National Anthem, and a moment of silence was observed in memory of the late Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu. The country’s flag was flying at half within the centre of the school in honour of South Africa’s freedom fighter.

The Programme Director, Ms Sylvia Mothiba opened the day’s event by welcoming everyone who was presesent. “Today we are here to celebrate God’s creation on this magnificent World Environment Day.” Said Ms Mothiba.

She then introduced the School Principal, Mr. Kekana. “Today is a great day as we celebrate with the world this special day; the World Environment Day.” Said Mr. Kekana. “We are so priviledged that FTFA and Investec chose our school, Tsarogaphoka Primary School to celebrate this day with.” He continued.

Mr. Kekana introduced all the guests. The next speaker was Sam Mhlungu. “I worked for Trees for Africa 17 years ago, and I was involved in planting trees that I’m proud of today as I see them growing in our communities.” Said Sam Mhlungu. He applauded Portia for organising such an event.

The next speaker was the Ward Counsellor Ms M Khoza. She was so thankful to be part of the event, and she applauded the Deputy Minister for gracing the event. “We are happy to have the Deputy Minister stepping in our school grounds today. We hope for many developments in our area after this small tree planting event.” Said Ms Khoza.

 (Solomon and Minister Derek Hanekom)

The next speaker was Minister Derek Hanekom. He was so thankful to Sam Mhlugu and his team for inviting him to this event. “It’s a great day for me; a great day because I’m seeing you blossoming; I’m seeing you as all of the young trees; the trees that make this world of ours a beautiful world.” Said Minister Hanekom in his speech addressing hundreds of Learners and Educators.

“The village elders met under the trees and they made important decisions. There were no clinics, no hospitals, but people were treated with medicine from the trees. And people understood how important trees were.” He continued.

 “Today, we understand that the air that we breath; without trees we would die. If the trees die, we die with the trees. So trees are very important.” Added the Deputy Minister.

“So today as we plant a few trees, you are learning by doing. You don’t want to just think that one day you will change the world but you have to know that you are starting to change the world today. In our little way; you in your little way, you can change the world.” Emphasized the Deputy Minister.

“We can do it. The American president said, ‘Yes we can!’ Yes we can. It doesn’t only start with us, but it starts with us, and it starts with you. Let’s make this tree planting ceremony a day to remember.” He said.

In clossing, the Deputy Minister said “A tree will live longer than you and me. So help take care of it.”

The Deputy Minister promised that his wife will donate a band drum for music; and they will improve the sport field by planting green grass and making food gardens.

The Deputy Principal Ms Mhlongo in closing thanked the Deputy Minister, the parents, FTFA, Portia, Sam Mhlungu and the Learners for making this day so special.

 (Tree Planting Demonstration)

Solomon Mondlane did the tree planting demostration; and the first tree to be planted was in honour of the late Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu. All the guests were involved in planting of this great tree. Solomon Mondlane vibrantly led the people into a remix of a national anthem song and danced around the special tree. The Deputy Minister joined in; the Ward Counsellor followed; the head of the school, the parents and the learners all danced around the mama Sisulu tree.

Solomon also thanked the sponsor, Investec for donating the trees to the school. “Without Investec this event could not have been possible.” He said.

 

 (Solomon Mondlane and DJ Fresh)

DJ Fresh came very late but managed to meet the Deputy Minister on his way out; and also managed to see some few Learners who were still at the school premises and the Educators. He also planted a tree that was named after him.