The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu will lead the planting of 4 000 indigenous trees in Vryburg, North West province on Thursday 30 September 2021, as part of the government’s commitment to the 10 Million Tree Programme which aims to have at least two million trees planted every year over a period of five years in South Africa.

Tree planting in Vryburg forms part of the annual National Arbor Month campaign coordinated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in partnership with Total South Africa. This year’s campaign is coordinated under the theme: “Forest Restoration: a path to recovery and well-being,” signifying the importance of protecting and conserving the country’s biodiversity as the backbone of our economy and livelihoods.

The Deputy Minister will engage with the leadership of the of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and all local municipalities under the district on matters related to climate change and the importance and effective forest management. Forests strengthen resilience and adaptive capacities to climate-related natural disasters.

Trees not only enhance biodiversity and address food security, but, most importantly, mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change.

This target is not only aimed at the government, but also at the general public, private institutions and business, as well as Non-governmental organisations, schools and community-based organisations.

The Deputy Minister will be accompanied by the Mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Cllr Govan Lobelo.

Source: Government of South Africa