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194e - Nashua Mobile - First Evaluation - Esselen Park

It was a very bright afternoon when Solomon Mondlane (Community Forester) visited Esselen Park Township a week after 1000 trees from Nashua Mobile were distributed to the residents of that area. This was the first evaluation which takes place 7 days after the trees were distributed. The aim of this visit is to ensure that trees are planted, and they are planted in a right way as demostrated by the Community Forester during the Community Educators’ workshop; and during the tree distribution event. It is also a time to interact with the home owners to get their views concerning the project. The Community Forester works very close with the Community Educators.

The residents of Esselen Park were so excited to see the team from Food & Trees for Africa coming to check on their trees. “This is encouraging to us as we see you once again making followups to your project. We are encourged to look and care for our trees the way you want us to because it is for our own good.” said Veronica Dlomo of house number 74. “I speak to my tree every morning, and I make sure it speaks back to me. When I see my tree green and standing upright, I get excited because I know it is communucating life to me.” She continued.

Most of the residents are following the 8 steps of planting a tree, and in most houses trees are mulched and water bottles are placed by the trees as it was instructed during the tree planting demonstration.

The residents were so welcoming, and could share about some challenges in the community. “We need Food & Trees for Africa to start a food garden project in our community.” proposed Eric Mahuko of house number 76. The Community Forester and the Community Educators had much fun and they were capturing everything on camera. The houses that were visited were per the door to door forms.

Overall, the day was very much exciting.

Nanette meeets Nanette

Nanette and Nanette having a great time at Khulisa offices in Rosebank

My little daughter Nanette was named after my former colleague at Khulisa Crime Prevention Innitiative. Yesterday (25 July 2011), the 2 met for the first time in 3 years since Nanette was born. It was a happy moment as the two shared gifts and smiles in the office. Thanks to Nanette...

Nanette, Precious and Nanette

Mandela Day - 67 Minutes of Service

Solomon Mondlane - Mandela Day

Mandela Day - 67 Minutes of Service

FTFA and Nashua Mobile together celebrated the Mandela Day on 18 July 2011. Nashua Mobile sponsored the event with 1000 trees to be distributed and planted in Esselen Park, Tembisa. Atleast 17 volunteers from Nashua Mobile joined us as we sang, danced and planted trees in each household. We were also joined by the team from Ekurhuleni and by the PR Counsellor and her team.

This was a great day, and the community residents came in numbers to celebrate the Mandela Day and to receive their trees. Young and old came from every household to honour such a great icon from the African continent. The programme starterd on a high spirit as Solomon Mondlane led the community in struggle songs. “This is the most important day in our lives as we honour the tallest tree of Africa, tata Nelson Mandela.” Said solomon Mondlane addressing the crowd. “Long live Nelson Mandela long live!” shouted a jubilant Solomon Mondlane.

Asipa Mancane Kulane a teenager from the same community led the crowd as she sang the National Anthem. She also sang a birthday song to Tata Nelson Mandela.

Our first speaker was the PR Counsellor, Ruth Shabalala who welcomed everyone present during the event. “Today in history our hero is born.” Said Ruth. “We are so thankful to Nashua Mobile and FTFA for thinking of this community. We feel special and honoured as we celebrate this day together.” Continued Ruth.

Our poet Nosipho Sibanda sang praises to the world long living species, the tree. “You are a gift of life... without you we are all dead.” Shouted Nosipho.

The next speaker was Mosima Maake from 'Put a Smile organisation' who echoed Ruth Shabalala’s words when she sang praises to Nashua and FTFA. Sipho Mathe, FTFA’s Senior Community Forester spoke on behalf of FTFA. “FTFA has been planting trees for the past 21 years, and Nashua Mobile has been in partneship with us in some of the projects.” Said Sipho.

TT Nzimande gave a short background about Nashua Mobile’s involvement in tree planting projects. He thanked FTFA for being a good partner. TT Nzimande presented the CEs with certificates, and FTFA also presented Nashua Mobile with a certificate in honour of their greening initiative in South Africa.

Solomon Mondlane and Edwin Makushu did a tree planting demonstration before people were handed their trees. We had a poem by Nosipho Sibanda and music item from Nokhaya Makrexeni. What a great day we had as the sponsors, the service providers, the community leaders and the community residents sang and danced together.

(All pictures by Joanne Rolt)

A Tree Planted In Honour of Simphiwe Musa Junior

Nanette Mondlane standing next to a tree planted in memory of her brother

On 12 July 2011 a tree was planted in memory of Simphiwe Musa Junior Mondlane at Esselen Park Tembisa. Present were Solomon Mondlane (Father), Nanette Mondlane (Sister), Esselen Park Pro Counsellor Mrs Ruth Shabalala, FTFA’s Senior Community Forester, Sipho Mathe and other 10 Community Members (Community Educators). Rest in Peace baby!

We are also praying for Nanette who was knocked by a car on the day she planted a tree for her brother. She is so far unable to walk but the Doctors said no bone was broken.

 Solomon Mondlane and Mrs Ruth Shabalala watering a tree planted in honour of Simphiwe

Solomon Mondlane explaining how this tree will keep the memory of Simphiwe alive