AfriForum creates hope at high school during arbour month

As part of the civil rights organisation’s arbour month, the AfriForum branch in Westonaria planted six trees at Westonaria High School.

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

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 encourages towns 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 the AfriForum branch in Westonaria and Westonaria High School is willing to supply this care. This is symbolic of the fact that we as AfriForum are here to stay and have genuine hope for the future,” concludes Ungerer.

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