JNF paints Mamelodi green

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) Walter Sisulu Environmental Centre on 3 October donated 1 000 fruit and shade trees to the community of Nellmapius, Mamelodi, a township to the north-east of Pretoria.

The Walter Sisulu Environmental Centre is funded in collaboration with JNF South Africa and Keren Kayemet LeYisrael Israel as a JNF initiative to develop long-term sustainable-development projects on behalf of the Jewish community in South Africa.

The Greening Mamelodi Project was first launched in 2008 as a community outreach and greening project of the centre, and is now in its twelfth year.

Extension 22, where the latest trees were donated, is a large development of new government subsidy housing. This area was specifically selected as the ward is connected to the municipal grid (electricity and water) allowing beneficiaries to care for the trees. Temporary employment of 10 community foresters for the project from the community was a welcome initiative.

All of the trees, including wild olives, river bush willows, peach, plum, and nectarine trees, are indigenous and waterwise.

To date, the Greening Mamelodi Project has planted more than 31 000 trees in Mamelodi.