Planting hope in Arbor Month

Planting Hope – Stellenbosch goes turquoise for Arbor Week

Mayor Gesie van Deventer and Municipal Manager Geraldine Mettler, today 1 September),  joined staff and residents in launching the commemoration of National Arbor Week.

The theme adopted by Stellenbosch Municipality for this year is Planting Hope. Trees in the historic Plein Street and in front of the Town Hall have been draped in turquoise – a unique colour that represents hope, wisdom, tranquillity, protection and good fortune. Importantly, turquoise is also the colour of serenity and calmness, something that the entire world needs a lot of as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

“Today we kick-off our week of activities by wrapping the tree in front of the Town Hall in turquoise. What better way to start this new month and this new season with a dash of hope – something we definitely need a lot of as we battle this Covid-19 pandemic. Hope for our town and hope for our country. Hope that we will recover following the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on our communities”, said Van Deventer.

Arbor Week is always a highlight on the events calendar and something that Stellenbsoch residents look forward to as the City of Oaks.

“Our focus over the past few years has been to plant indigenous trees across the municipal area while also replacing many of our older giant oaks in the historic centre of Stellenbosch,” she said.

The programme for the week includes:

  • 1 September 2021 – Launch of Arbor Week – wrapping of trees by the Mayor and Municipal Manager. Tree planting in Plein Street, Klapmuts, Franschoek and along the R44 and R310.
  • Planting of a tree at Lanquedoc and donation of 30 fruit trees.
  • Donation of trees to community members, trees will be left at public libraries for collection by residents.
  • 6 September 2021 – Planting of trees at Uniepark.
  • 7 September 2021 – Opening of the Cloetesville Skate Park and the planting of trees.

National Arbor Week is an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management. Van Deventer encouraged all residents to join them as they plant hope in the communities.

Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer and Municipal Manager Geraldine Mettler wrapping the first tree as part of the Planting Hope Arbor Week commemoration.
Trees in Plein sdtreet wre drapewd with turquoise material to commemorate Arbor Month.
The town hall pillars were also drapped in turquoise wrappers to commemorate Arbor Week – by Mayor Gesie van Deventer (left) and municipal manager Geraldine Mettler.

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