Konica Minolta and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) have been working together for over 10 years, planting trees at schools, clinics, museums, community centres and homes all over South Africa. On the 5th of February, they made Soweto greener for the first time by teaching pupils from AB Xuma Primary School how to plant trees.
The ceremony started at DOCC YMCA community centre, where Nelson Mandela used to box and moved on to Mandela’s first home in Soweto in Orlando East. The centre offers programs for the young and old people which focus on the body, soul and mind and encourages people to look after the environment.
The tree planting session was facilitated by an FTFA representative who explained how they should take care of the plants. Portia Tsepe, DOCC YMCA Manager said: “It takes two to tango but it takes a village to raise a child”. We are delighted to be a part of today’s celebration”.
According to Marc Pillay, CEO of Konica Minolta “Today’s ceremony is a celebration which is linked to the legacy of Madiba consequently we choose to donate trees in Soweto,”. Chris Wild, Director at FTFA highlighted that Madiba had a passion for the environment alongside the objectives of FTFA which are to promote long-term sustainability and make a positive difference to South African lives.
“Trees are important to all of us because they give us oxygen and food. Thanks to organizations like Konica and FTFA, our learners will grow up with the skill of planting” said Mrs Mthimkhulu, Principal of AB Xuma School. She also promised that they would look after the sponsored trees.
