Pretoria - About 50 trees were planted at houses in Sunway in Hartebeespoort on Saturday to raise awareness about greening residential areas.
Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, joined by officials from the department and the Madibeng Local Municipality, led the campaign in celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day.
The 50 trees were provided by South African National Parks.
The Minister also spent time distributing shoes, food parcels that contained essentials such as canned foods, maize meal, rice and sugar, and toiletries, the department said.
She was encouraged to see many residents had planted their own vegetable gardens. “All people, here and in the rest of South Africa, are encouraged to do this. It does not only green an area, but adds to food security as well,” said Minister Molewa.
She planted a Karoo Blue Bush indigenous tree at Evelyn Mafepe’s house. Mafepe said she was delighted to have the Minister visit her home.
“I am very happy the Minister came to my home, and listened to me and actually planted a beautiful tree for me and my family to enjoy,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
