National Arbor Week Celebrations at Melton Primary School

MEDIA RELEASE BY THE WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, PIERRE UYS

Immediate release 5 September 2008



Minister Pierre Uys, minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning addressing pupils and teachers at Melton Primary School.

National Arbor Week Celebrations at Melton Primary School in Klein Vlei, Eerste River, on Friday 5 September 2008

Minister Pierre Uys, minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, joined learners in greening their urban area during a special tree planting celebration at the Melton Primary School in Eerste River this morning.

This school undertakes a number of community and environmental activities through an active Eco-Club and assistance of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi).

The learners and teachers maintain an indigenous- and a food garden that provides fresh vegetables for the school and community.

The tree planting ceremony was also in anticipation of International Arbor Day on Sunday 7 September.

“Trees were planted as part of this annual celebration to observe the future of our planet and to offset the emission of carbon and global warming. All are encouraged to care for trees as a renewable resource, about conservation and the environment.

“Trees give us oxygen, water vapour, food, shelter, wood and over 5 000 products. Without trees we will not survive. Especially in many disadvantaged communities, who often live in barren areas, we need to plant more trees,” Min. Uys said.
Minister Uys planted a scarce Wild Plum, which is one of this year’s three specimens of the Tree of the Year.


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Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144



Minister Pierre Uys and Ms Averyle Temmit, the school principal, plant a wild plum, which is tree of the year 2008, in the school's indigenous garden





Minister Uys and Ms Temmit examining the school's wonderful greening programme co-ordinated by teacher Hadley Linus, centre.
Acting Head of Department, Mr Rudi Ellis, extreme right





Minister Uys donated vegetable seed to the school for the food garden, (these include packets of seed for carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach and green beans)