Mandela's Legacy: Planting seeds of change in South Africa
Author: Food & Trees for Africa
Your monthly update from the Food & Trees For Africa team.
GREENING MADIBA'S LEGACY
On Mandela Day, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) honoured Nelson Mandela’s powerful legacy with a series of heartfelt and impactful projects. Mandela’s dream of transforming neglected areas into vibrant green spaces, a vision that first began with the Alexander Township Greening Project in 1992, continued to guide FTFA’s work. Longstanding FTFA supporter, Konica Minolta, celebrated a milestone of planting 75,000 trees at significant sites including Robben Island.
The impact has gone beyond planting trees. Thanks to Bacardi South Africa and Aurex, FTFA also enhanced food security through hands-on workshops and new garden initiatives. These efforts reflected Mandela’s belief in empowering communities and promoting sustainability.
With over 4.7 million trees planted and many new gardens flourishing, FTFA is on track to hit its goal of 5 million trees by the end of 2024.
“As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, FTFA remains dedicated to honouring Madiba’s legacy through our restoration and food security efforts. Together, we were building an empowered, more resilient South Africa, rooted in the principles of equality and freedom that Mandela championed,” said Nicole Ras, Communications Manager at Food & Trees for Africa.
SUPPORT MADIBA'S LEGACY
MANDELA DAY INSPIRES
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
As we reflect on Nelson Mandela's unwavering legacy and his global call to effect positive change in our communities, Mandela’s 67 years of service has inspired us to dedicate ourselves to meaningful transformation.
This year's Mandela Day theme, 'It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,' aligns closely with our mission at FTFA. In partnership with our esteemed sponsors, we have been steadfast in our efforts to empower individuals and capacitate under-resourced communities through hands-on initiatives.
This year, FTFA intensified efforts through dynamic workshops and equipped community members with vital skills for cultivating food gardens, fostering self-sufficiency and eco-friendly practices. These initiatives not only address socio-economic challenges but also promote community collaboration and environmental stewardship. By nurturing sustainable food gardens, we aim to ensure lasting nourishment for our communities.
This Mandela Day marked significant strides towards food security and environmental sustainability, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu and FTFA thanks all sponsors and communities who came together to make this happen.
A DAY OF GROWTH AND GIVING
Food & Trees for Africa recently supported a remarkable community empowerment initiative in partnership with Adcock Ingram at Tembisa Self Help Association of the Disabled (T-SHAD).
T-SHAD is a beacon of hope, focusing on skill development through diverse programmes for individuals with disabilities. Their dedication to the community is further demonstrated through distributing and providing repairs for crutches and wheelchairs, which enhance mobility and preserve dignity. Moreover, their sustainable food gardens serve a dual purpose: they nourish 160 members daily and impart valuable agricultural skills.
On 5 June 2024, volunteers gathered for a Food Garden Volunteer Day, planting 800 seedlings and 15 herbs, strengtheing the association’s existing gardens. This initiative was followed by a special Mandela Day event in collaboration with FTFA, during which 25 trees (including 15 fruit trees and 10 shade trees) were planted. These efforts are estimated to offset approximately 9.22 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
T-SHAD's dedication to community upliftment exemplifies the spirit of Ubuntu. As we reflect on these achievements, let us continue to support initiatives that empower individuals and enrich communities. Together, we can sow seeds of change and cultivate a better tomorrow.
EDUPLANT CENTRES SOW SEEDS
FOR SCHOOL SUSTAINABILITY
EduPlant Centres of Excellence have launched their mentorship programmes with neighbouring schools. These centres serve as robust hubs, nurturing and sharing expertise in permaculture practices to inspire and guide nearby institutions. By fostering partnerships under the EduPlant Programme, these centres host workshops and actively mentor neighbouring schools in permaculture practices.
The mentorship programme kicked off with visits to beneficiary schools where resources, knowledge and skills were generously imparted. Inspired by the agroecology techniques shared, mentee schools eagerly began developing gardens supported by the resources FTFA provided, ensuring promising future harvests.
This initiative's overarching goal is to cultivate food security within schools while enhancing learners' appreciation for environmental stewardship and sustainable food practices. Through these efforts, EduPlant Centers of Excellence are sowing seeds of positive change, fostering resilience, and empowering communities for a sustainable future.
SUPPORT MANDELA'S LEGACY
EMPOWERING GAUTENG EDUCATORS & LEARNERS
IN CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOPS
This month, high school educators and learners from 29 schools in Gauteng's Township Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) participated in Climate Change Awareness Workshops. This initiative, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (GDARDE), is focused on educating participants about the impacts of climate change and fostering sustainable development practices.
Accredited by the South African Council of Educators (SACE), the sessions offered educators Continued Professional Development (CPD) points, while engaging learners in interactive sessions and discussions on climate-smart actions. GDARDE has emphasised the importance of empowering learners and educators as advocates for climate resilience and sustainability within their communities.
As these dedicated educators and enthusiastic learners return to their communities, they carry with them the knowledge to ignite change and pave the way for a future where climate resilience and sustainability are everyday realities.
EMPOWERING CLIMATE LEADERS IN GHANA
The African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) is dedicated to empowering African communities to navigate public finance processes effectively. This month, ACRP hosted a Fair Finance School in Accra, Ghana. This event was aimed at equipping Climate Leaders with essential knowledge and skills about Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and their roles in supporting development projects. The focus was on promoting sustainable financing for climate solutions and making finance more relatable through compelling storytelling.
The two-day event began with an introduction to climate finance within the African context, featuring presentations on DFIs, their operations, and various finance mechanisms. Participants also engaged in sessions on developing effective finance campaign strategies, including identifying allies, targets, and tactics for successful advocacy.
Participants left feeling prepared to effectively engage with DFIs and to create campaigns that drive investments towards a socially and environmentally sustainable future. United in their mission, they are now ready to help build #TheAfricaWeWant.
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