Under the theme “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today,” the programme brings together government, business, labour, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, diplomatic missions, youth formations and communities to take collective action against climate change.
Missionvale Campus tree planting
The University launched its tree-planting activities at its Missionvale and Second Avenue campuses, with the initiative extending into the surrounding community through tree planting at the Missionvale Care Centre, a community-based non-profit organisation and strategic University partner.
Addressing the Missionvale community, Sharon Masiza, Senior Director: Missionvale, Second Avenue and Bird Street Campuses, highlighted the long-term benefits of trees.
“We know trees last for a very long time and they give a long-lasting benefit to us as human beings because they give oxygen,” said Masiza.
Second Avenue Campus
Mabuya Ntuthuko, Horticulture Senior Manager, said planting trees contributes to efforts to address climate change and improve air quality.
“The benefits of planting trees also help with climate change issues. As we have seen in South Africa recently, we have a lot of climate-change-related issues,” said Mabuya.
The University’s tree-planting activities will continue across all seven campuses, with plans to donate trees to schools in the Eastern Cape. This will extend the initiative into surrounding communities and encourage broader participation in environmental action.
Missionvale Care Centre
Lucky Ngamlana, Skills Training and Development Mentor at the Missionvale Care Centre, welcomed the University’s continued commitment to community development and its efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
Through its participation in the programme, Mandela University is helping to create greener spaces, raise awareness of climate change and encourage practical action towards a healthier environment.