AfriForum creates hope in Heidelberg during arbour month

Jordaan Park in Heidelberg received ten white stinkwood trees from the AfriForum branch in Heidelberg as part of the civil rights organisation’s arbour month project.

According to Dewet Ungerer, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Vaal Triangle and the West Rand, the organisation intends on planting more than 2 000 trees countrywide this year. “By planting indigenous trees, we are not simply conserving the environment and improving it aesthetically – we are also showing that we have hope for the future. Trees are not just an important part of the ecosystem and an essential natural resource, but also part of our heritage.”

AfriForum annually focuses on a tree species that is commonly found, as well as a rare tree species. The common tree for 2018 is the true yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius), while the rare tree is the shepherd’s bush (Boscia albitrunca). AfriForum is encouraging its branches to plant indigenous trees that thrive in their natural surroundings.

“Arbour month offers the perfect occasion to make a lasting difference in our communities. However, trees are in need of continuous care to thrive and benefit everyone and the AfriForum branch in Heidelberg, together with the Suikerbos Voortrekkerkommando, undertake to supply this care themselves. It is symbolic of the fact that we as AfriForum are here to stay and have sincere hope for the future,” concludes Ungerer.

The branch encourages the community to become involved with the campaign and be part of a greener future.