Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in Bulawayo
ENVIRONMENT patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has urged citizens to work together in protecting the environment, while also taking advantage of the ongoing rainy season by planting more trees, saying forests are essential for livelihoods, climate resilience and national survival.
Dr Mnangagwa said safeguarding forests is a shared responsibility, warning that continued deforestation threatens livelihoods, food security and generations to come.
The First Lady said this during a well-attended tree-planting programme and food hampers donation at Centenary Park in the City of Kings and Queens, which drew large crowds as part of her outreach to Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South and North provinces.
The tree-planting initiative, carried out under the theme “Trees and Forests for Ecosystems Restoration and Improved Livelihoods,” falls under a national campaign launched by President Mnangagwa in Mutare last year, aimed at restoring forest cover and greening urban centres.
Activities at Centenary Park formed part of the Tree Planting Day commemorations, where Dr Mnangagwa, who serves as Secretary for Environment in the Politburo, was represented by her deputy, Joshua Sacco, also Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Proceedings opened with the guest of honour planting an indigenous umvebe (sausage tree), scientifically known as Kigelia africana, accompanied by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland South Province, Albert Nguluvhe, schoolchildren and officials from Government and the private sector.
Dr Mnangagwa said the Bulawayo event follows similar initiatives in other provinces such as Harare and Mashonaland East, forming part of the Beautification of Cities and Towns Programme launched in December 2022 by President Dr Mnangagwa, in Harare.
Known for her bounteousness, Mother Zimbabwe also came bearing assistance for the elderly, child-headed families, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, distributing food hampers and mealie-meal.
In her address, the Environment Patron called on communities to adopt tree planting as a key response to climate change and rural transformation, saying that environmental care must go hand in hand with economic development.
Dr Mnangagwa urged citizens to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts across the country.
“Let me reiterate our call to continue with the task of tree planting in our country as we are in the middle of a promising rain season. We should take advantage of the rains to plant as many trees as possible,” she said.
As Patron for the Environment, the First Lady reminded communities of their responsibility to care for both planted and naturally growing trees, saying the nationwide campaign is guided by the principle of leaving no one behind.
The First Lady highlighted the critical role trees play in sustaining life, agriculture and tourism, while also serving as a natural defence against climate change.
“There would be no fruits, no oxygen, no timber, no wildlife responsible for boosting tourism, no agriculture and, in essence, no survival of living things, including human beings,” she said, adding that trees provide vital climate-proofing benefits.
Dr Mnangagwa also emphasised the importance of urban forestry, saying the shift toward smart and green cities requires trees to be integrated into land-use planning.
“It is therefore not a mistake that we are gathered here in an urban environment as trees now form part of the urban landscape,” she said.
Drawing on Biblical symbolism, the First Lady said the supremacy of trees is evident in the order of creation.
“God created the Garden of Eden first before creating Adam and Eve. This means trees and forests can thrive on their own, but people cannot survive without trees and forests,” she said.
Commending city authorities and the Forestry Commission, Dr Mnangagwa applauded the choice of Centenary Park as a planting site, citing its access to water and security.
“The idea of preserving this iconic Centenary Park should be cherished by all of us residents of Bulawayo,” she said, while warning that some recreational spaces have disappeared due to land-use changes.
Dr Mnangagwa also relayed forecasts from the Meteorological Services indicating normal to above-normal rains this season, advising communities to assess tree health to prevent damage to homes, schools and infrastructure.
“I urge you all, community leaders, to take seriously this free advice as it will certainly save us lives and costs,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also called on schools, communities, Government workers and leaders to actively conserve forests for future generations, stressing the importance of instilling environmental values in young people.
“Let us teach and train the young to plant and care for trees and to have respect for the environment so that it becomes part of their culture. Most importantly, let us, as elders, lead by example,” she said.
The First Lady said that Government, through the Forestry Commission and partner agencies, is reviewing legislation to strengthen conservation efforts while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
The Environment Patron said communities are also being trained in seedling production, woodland management, wildfire protection, agroforestry and tree planting.
Dr Mnangagwa thanked the Forestry Commission and its partners for their work and urged citizens to develop a culture of tree planting and environmental education.
The First Lady warned that cutting trees for firewood sales or charcoal production is illegal, urging residents to seek guidance from Forestry Commission and council officials before harvesting any tree products.
The beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for her ongoing support through food donations and tree-planting programmes, saying her interventions have brought hope, improved livelihoods and encouraged environmental responsibility.
Granny Agnes Ncube from Hwange said the First Lady’s assistance had transformed daily life for her family.
“We are truly grateful to our First Lady. The food and support we received have made a big difference in our lives. We feel cared for and supported.
“Her generosity shows that she genuinely cares about every member of the community, and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts.”
Another beneficiary, a widow, Granny Catherine Mukombe from Kamativi, said the support came at a critical time.
“Life has been a thorn in the flesh for me. I sometimes struggle to make ends meet, but through support like this I feel comforted. The First Lady has reminded us that we are not forgotten, and her kindness has given me the strength to continue going strong,” she said.
An elderly man, Enock Sibanda, expressed gratitude for both the food donations and environmental initiatives.
“We thank our dear mother, the First Lady, for remembering us. The food and mealie-meal will help supplement my food supplies, and the tree-planting programme will change our community for the better. This shows that the First Lady is not only concerned about immediate needs but also about our long-term well-being.”
A beneficiary, Anita Nyathi, said it is not the first time receiving such aid, which always brings hope and relief: “The assistance has not only fed us but also uplifted our spirits.”
Granny Mususumeri Ndou echoed the community’s appreciation.
“We are grateful to Dr Mnangagwa for her support. The food donations and environmental programmes show that our mother of the nation cares about all the citizens. Her actions inspire us to take care of our surroundings and work together for a better future,” she said.
Mr Enock Sibanda also commended the First Lady’s tree-planting initiative, which has helped improve the local environment.
“The tree-planting programme led by our First Lady always has a remarkable impact. It helps create shaded areas, enhance the beauty of our community, and reminds us of the importance of caring for nature.
“By planting trees, she is teaching us that protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, not just the Government’s,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Mr Paul Nyoni, who was representing Provincial Minister Judith Ncube, said the event is a testament to Dr Mnangagwa’s commitment to the welfare of Zimbabwean citizens.
“This is not the first time our First Lady has done so. The food hampers speak volumes about her commitment to vulnerable communities.
“The First Lady recognises the crucial role played by beneficiaries in their families and communities. Her goal is to restore dignity and support households,” he said.
Mr Nyoni also applauded the First Lady for her unprecedented role in the national tree-planting initiative.
Minister Nguluvhe said the tree-planting ceremony is more than just a symbolic act; rather, it represents the collective commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
“As we plant these trees, we are not just planting seeds in the ground, but we are also sowing seeds of hope and renewal. May these trees grow tall and strong, reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with nature,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe also said the First Lady’s food hampers donation is a testament to her commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable citizens.
“The handover of food hampers to the vulnerable members of our society is a testament to our compassion and empathy as people. To the beneficiaries of the food hampers, we hope that this gesture brings some comfort and relief to your households.
“As we reflect on the trees that have been planted today, we pray that they grow tall and strong, serving as a symbol of hope and renewal for generations to come,” he said.
Through her sustained support and initiatives, Dr Mnangagwa continues to inspire Zimbabweans to embrace social responsibility, environmental stewardship and community development, reinforcing her role as a champion of national well-being and sustainable growth.
