The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism (DEDEAT) MEC, Ms Noknqubela Pieters marked Provincial Environmental Day with the planting of eighty (80) trees in 13 schools and a community hall in Tabase, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality.
The tree planting enhances the environment and landscape restoration in the area as it is largely degraded due to erosion and over exploitation of the natural resources for livelihoods. The area is renowned for its wetlands and surrounding forests in the Langeni forest mountains.
Speaking at the event, MEC Pieters underscored the significance of tree planting as both an investment in the environment and a means to enhance the lives and livelihoods of local communities. “Planting trees is an act of looking after the environment, which preserves the lives and livelihood of our communities,” she said.
MEC Pieters highlighted the environmental education as the main purpose of the event, stressing that while the day itself was a celebration, effective environmental education is a continuous process that requires ongoing commitment. “Our department is dedicated to this process and we invite all stakeholders to join us. The government cannot address environmental challenges alone; we need the participation of all role players, including the private sector, traditional leaders, civil society, and the education sector,” she added.
MEC Pieters also addressed some of the local challenges, including the need for greater community benefits from the local forest, opportunities presented by the river such as aquaculture, and participation in her department’s environmental awards programme.
Earlier in his welcoming address, KSD LM executive mayor, Cllr Nyaniso Nelani, expressed gratitude for hosting the celebrations in an area plagued by soil erosion, overgrazing, and veld fires. He also highlighted the programme’s role in educating residents on environmental protection and announced plans to introduce more climate change and waste management programmes to combat illegal dumping.
About 450 people attended, and the programme was held in collaboration with various stakeholders such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment; the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform; the Eastern Cape Department of Education; South African Police Service; OR Tambo District Municipality, KSD Local Municipality, and Walter Sisulu University (WSU). Led by DEDEAT and its implementing agency, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, these stakeholders hosted a variety of services on wheels. At their respective desks, these stakeholders shared information on various opportunities, including business, funding, and bursaries, particularly in environmental careers, with the local community and school children.
This celebration, held at the Mdeni Community Hall in Tabase on 23 July 2024, is in observance of the World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th. This year’s celebration was celebrated under the theme “land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.”
The activities in Tabase not only underscored the importance of education to environmental stewardship but also served as a reminder of the collective effort required to preserve the environment for current and future generations.
