Balwin Properties promotes conservation a tree at a time
One of the trees is planted at the Ithemba Labasha community daycare centre.
By NOBUHLE ZULU
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As part of its mission of promoting conservation, the Balwin Properties Foundation conducted a tree-planting initiative at two local schools last Friday.
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In celebration of Arbor Month, Balwin representatives visited Osizweni Primary in Driefontein and the Ithemba Labasha community daycare centre in Shaka’s Head to raise awareness of the importance of trees.
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Balwin Properties staff members Cindy Mkhize and Shirley Pillay (front) with the Osizweni Primary School principal and pupils.
In partnership with the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment department, Balwin donated and planted trees at the schools, among them the umngwenya tree (Harpephyllum caffrum), a sour plum tree that can grow up to 30 metres in height, and the Olea Africana wild olive tree.
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“This is our way of giving back to the community and the environment” said organiser and foundation manager, Cindy Mkhize.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment donated trees to the schools as part of the ‘Plant a million trees’ movement. Seen here are department staff Sibusisiwe Matshisi, Nomaswazi Lubanzi, Kim Weir and Wongeka Kutshwa.
“It is important that children are educated about environmental sustainability.”