Mpumalanga MEC for the DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Khethiwe Moeketsi, rolled up her sleeves and led a tree-planting initiative conducted at Vukuzithathe Primary School, Embalenhle, in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
The event, which was part of the Presidential One Million Trees Campaign spearheaded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, took place ahead of the Heritage Day celebration held in the area on the same day.
According to DARDLEA, hundreds of trees were planted in several identified places in past few days, including cemeteries and other public spaces, coinciding with Arbor Month. Vegetables were also planted at the primary school during the MEC’s visit.
“ The Presidential One Million Trees Campaign aims to mobilise South Africans to plant trees across the country, to mitigate the effects of climate change, enhance environmental sustainability, and fostering a culture of tree planting and environmental stewardship.
“ Vukuzithathe Primary is one of the beneficiary schools under this greening initiative, which not only contributes to climate resilience but also educates learners and the broader community on the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance and improving quality of life,” said DARDLEA.
Caption: Various key stakeholders planting vegetables alongside the MEC
The MEC was joined by several stakeholders including; the leadership of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, SASOL, EXARO, and Canyon Coal, to mention but a few.
