The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Makhotso Sotyu, will launch National Arbor Month campaign on Thursday, 1 September 2022, in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

South Africa, through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) celebrates National Arbor Month campaign annually from 1 – 30 September. The campaign is aimed at sensitising South Africans about the need to conserve, protect and plant trees for environmental and human related ideals.

The theme for this year is “Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption” and focuses on the sustainable development and management of forests in the country and outlines the interventions that will yield growth and investments through the Forestry Sector Master Plan. 

The campaign will heighten the restoration and rehabilitation work, which includes clean-up campaigns of dumpsites that are converted into green areas through tree planting. Furthermore, it will amplify the Presidential Ten Million Trees Programme, which seeks to mitigate against climate change and to address household food security.

To mark the official launch of the 2022 National Arbor Month campaign, the Deputy Minister will embark on a tour of the SAPPI Ngodwana and SAFCOL plantations, tree planting as well as officiate the National Arbor City Awards (NACA) ceremony. The NACA recognises cities and towns that have embraced greening initiatives in their programmes. 

Deputy Minister will be joined by Deputy Ministers: Obed Bapela, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Pamela Tshwete, Human Settlements; Nocawe Mafu, Sports, Arts & Culture; Fish Mahlalela, Tourism; Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Busisiwe Paulina Shiba; Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District Municipality: Cllr Jester Sidell; Mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality: Cllr Sibongile Makushe as well as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Total Energies South Africa, Mariam Kane-Garcia.

Members of the media are invited to attend and launch events as per the details below: 

Part 1: Site Visit to SAPPI Processing Facility: 

Date:  01 September 2022

Venue: SAPPI Ngondwana Mill, N4 Highway

Time: 10h00

Part 2: Site Visit to SAFCOL Plantation 

Venue: Tweenfontein Plantation, R532 Sabie Graskop Road, Klein Sabie

Time: 12:00

Part 3: Tree Planting Ceremony

Venue: Shabalala Trust Village, Ward 25, Hazyview

Time: 13h00

Part 4: National Arbor City Awards

Venue: The Capital Hotel, Penny Gum St, Mbombela

Time: 18h00

To RSVP, contact: Noma Bolani on 066 112 3746 / nbolani@dffe.gov.za or Peter Mbelengwa on 082 611 8197 / PMbelengwa@dffe.gov.za

For media inquiries contact:  Albi Modise on 083 490 2871

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT