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Ramokgopa Launches Tree-planting Drive At Gauteng Schools
Ramokgopa launches tree-planting drive at Gauteng schools
By Sinenhlanhla Mncwango | 16 January 2025 | 5:00 pm
Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, accompanied by the by Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang launched a tree-planting initiative on Wednesday.
Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, accompanied by the by Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang at Parktown Girls High School. Photo: Sinenhlanhla Mncwango
Fruit trees are being planted at several schools across Gauteng as part of a series of oversight visits running from 15 to 24 January. The official launch took place at Parktown High School for Girls in Parkview.
These visits aim to assess schools’ readiness for the 2025 academic year while addressing critical issues such as urban hunger and agricultural education.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Ramokgopa said: “Today (Wednesday) is the official start of the school calendar year, and as a member of the Gauteng executive, like my colleagues, I am visiting different schools to discuss their state of readiness. But more importantly, we’re highlighting the urgent need to combat urban hunger in our province.”
“These are fruit trees, and they will actually bear fruit one day. Students will not only learn to grow their own food but also develop pride in nurturing these trees and seeing them flourish,” she said.
Ramokgopa emphasised that these efforts were part of a broader strategy to integrate agriculture into education.
“Most young people in urban schools have never seen where their food comes from. Through initiatives like this, we’re planting the seeds, literally and figuratively, for a love of agriculture,” she said.
She also highlighted the potential for Gauteng to lead in agricultural education despite being a largely urban province.
“We may not be the biggest agricultural province, but we’re where the talent is. Agriculture offers a wonderful pathway for young people, especially with oversubscription at many universities and schools. Specialised agricultural education can unlock opportunities for these learners.”
She went on to explain that the tree-planting initiative also aims to address Gauteng’s stark spatial and economic inequalities.
“There are parts of Gauteng that are very green and lush, while others are barren. By consciously planting trees in areas lacking greenery, we’re bridging that divide.
“We often forget that fruit trees can be grown. It’s not just about veggie gardens, which are important, but also about showing young people that a shrub can grow into a tree they can eat from, ” said Ramokgopa.
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