Trees, veggie gardens for Arbor week
2012-09-01 21:08
Johannesburg - Trees and vegetable gardens were planted by the department of agriculture and the Northern Cape department of rural development in Platfontein, outside Kimberley, on Saturday to mark the start of Arbor week.
Agriculture department spokesperson Selby Bokaba said a communal vegetable garden was established to help alleviate poverty.
"Two hundred households were also assisted with vegetable seed packs and seedlings."
Land Reform MEC Norman Shushu unveiled a memorial plaque, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, to commemorate those who had dedicated their lives to liberation and community upliftment in the province. A grove of olive trees were also planted.
"These fruit trees will complement the gardens on food security, whereas the indigenous shade trees will be used for greening and to promote environmental conservation, development and biodiversity in this area," Shushu said.
South African began celebrating Arbor day in 1983, and this was subsequently extended to a week.
- SAPA
