PLANTING MADIBA’S LEGACY

In 1992, when Nelson Mandela was released, he launched Food & Trees for Africa’s Alexander Township greening project. This initiative aimed to address the inequities created by apartheid’s land and housing policies, with trees planted around homes and schools. Many of these trees are still thriving today.

At the launch event, Mandela stressed the need to plant trees in denuded areas and to green underserved areas in the pursuit of environmental equality. He stated that organisations like Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) should be supported in their vital work on environmental issues.

Over the years, FTFA has expanded its mission to encompass reforestation, food security, education and climate action. Sponsor Konica Minolta SA has been instrumental in this mission, recently achieving the milestone of planting 75 000 trees at significant sites such as Robben Island and Mandela’s birthplace in the Eastern Cape.

In celebration of Mandela Day this year, FTFA planted another 2 065 trees with the support of ten sponsors throughout July. These trees will sequester 762 tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lifetimes, contributing to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

FTFA’s efforts this year have also included two food garden events, linking environmental sustainability with the enhancement of food security in communities. It remains dedicated to honouring Madiba’s legacy through its food security efforts, and by the end of 2024, aims to reach the milestone of five million trees planted.

www.trees.org.za