Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in WEDZA
ENVIRONMENT Patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans from all walks of life to unite in safeguarding the environment, while urging schoolchildren to take the lead in tree-planting and conservation efforts.
While leading a tree planting programme in Mashonaland East province, Dr Mnangagwa said every citizen has a collective responsibility to protect the country’s forests, warning that unchecked deforestation poses serious threats to livelihoods, food security and future generations.
The Environment Patron encouraged communities to embrace tree planting as a powerful tool for climate action and rural development, stressing that environmental protection must go hand in hand with economic empowerment.
The tree planting initiative is part of a national campaign launched by President Mnangagwa in Mutare last year, aimed at restoring forest cover and improving the country’s towns and cities.
The day was filled with tree planting at Dendende Primary School in Hwedza during the Tree Planting Day commemoration, where Dr Mnangagwa, who is Zanu PF Secretary for Environment in the Politburo, was represented by her Deputy, Joshua Sacco, also Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
The event began with the guest of honour, accompanied by traditional leaders and representatives from Government and the private sector, leading the planting of a Mumveve (Sausage Tree), botanically known as Kigelia africana, designated as the Indigenous Tree of the Year 2025.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinoda Machakaire plants an indigenous tree at Dendende Primary School in Wedza yesterday.
Renowned for her compassion, Mother Zimbabwe, as has become her norm, came bearing gifts, assisting the elderly, child-headed households, people with disabilities, among other vulnerable groups, through the distribution of several food hampers and mealie-meal.
In her speech, Dr Mnangagwa said tree planting was more than a symbolic gesture, describing it as a declaration of hope and a commitment to restoring degraded environments.
Dr Mnangagwa said, as Patron of Environment, she was deeply honoured to lead the tree planting initiative, which symbolises a collective commitment to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s forests, biodiversity and the future of children.
“May the trees we plant today stand tall as symbols of our unity, our resilience and our love for Zimbabwe.
“I call upon all Zimbabweans to rise to the challenge, plant more trees, protect our forests and nurture our environment. In doing so, we secure food, water, energy and dignity for our people,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa emphasised the critical role schools play in shaping environmentally conscious citizens, saying planting trees at learning institutions instils a sense of stewardship in young people while providing shade, clean air and practical learning spaces.
“Schools are the heartbeat of our communities, and by planting trees here, we are teaching our children that environmental stewardship begins at home and in the classroom,” she said.
“Trees in schools provide shade, clean air, and living laboratories for science lessons. They instil respect for nature in young minds and remind us that education is not only about books, but also about nurturing the environment that sustains us.”
Dr Mnangagwa encouraged learners, teachers and parents to cherish and safeguard the newly planted trees, describing them as companions, teaching tools, and community treasures.
“When learners plant trees, they are not only greening their schoolyards, but also becoming ambassadors of conservation in their homes and villages,” she said.
“Today, as we plant trees at Dendende Primary School, let us remember: a tree is more than wood and leaves, it is life itself. To the learners, I say: cherish these trees as your companions. To the teachers: use them as teaching tools. To the parents and community leaders: guard them as treasures.”
Sport,Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya plants an indigenous tree at Dendende Primary School in Wedza yesterday.
The Environment Patron also highlighted the importance of forests in reducing soil erosion, supporting agriculture, providing medicines and fuelwood, and serving as the country’s frontline defence against climate change through carbon absorption and rainfall regulation.
While applauding Government-led efforts, the First Lady underscored that success ultimately depends on citizen participation.
“Government efforts alone are not enough. Every family, every school, and every community must take responsibility,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also urged traditional leaders, youth clubs, women’s groups, and churches to integrate forest management into their activities.
“The future of Zimbabwe’s forests lies in our hands. If we fail to act, our rivers will dry, our soil will erode, and our children will inherit deserts. But if we succeed, we will leave behind green landscapes, thriving wildlife, and resilient communities,” she said.
The First Lady also stressed the urgent need to adopt alternative green energy solutions, including solar, biogas, and energy-efficient technologies, to reduce dependence on firewood.
Dr Mnangagwa said failure to protect forests would result in drying rivers, eroded soils, and barren landscapes, but success would deliver green environments, thriving wildlife, and resilient communities.
However, the First Lady warned that forests across Mashonaland East and other provinces remain under serious threat from unsustainable firewood harvesting, agricultural expansion, illegal logging, charcoal production, uncontrolled veld fires, overgrazing, and poor land management.
Chief Chigodora plants an indigenous tree at Dendende Primary School in Wedza yesterday.
“These pressures threaten not only biodiversity but also the livelihoods of rural communities who depend on forests for food, medicine, and income,” she said, adding that failure to act would erode the foundation of the rural economy and weaken ecosystem resilience.
Dr Mnangagwa commended the Forestry Commission and its partners for rolling out initiatives such as the National Tree Planting Day campaign, school greening programmes, community woodlots, and agroforestry projects, which are helping reverse deforestation while creating alternative income sources.
The First Lady revealed that Zimbabwe is on course to meet its ambitious target of planting 30 million trees this season, with more than 28 million already planted nationwide. Mashonaland East Province has made a significant contribution, producing nearly four million seedlings.
Dr Mnangagwa also called for stronger partnerships with non-governmental organisations and the private sector to expand sustainable livelihood projects such as apiculture, fruit orchards, and responsibly managed timber production.
“These initiatives conserve our forests while creating jobs, generating income, and strengthening community resilience,” she said.
Dr Elliot Mckenzie’s Fire for Life Organisation has partnered with the Angel of Hope Foundation to roll out the eco-friendly tsotso stove to communities across the country.
A passionate environmentalist, Dr Mckenzie showcased the eco-friendly advantages of the tsotso stove, an innovative solution for reducing environmental degradation.
“Unlike traditional firewood, the Tsotso stove is a highly eco-friendly innovation that uses only a few twigs (tsotso) or, alternatively, sawdust,” he said.
Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Environment, Joshua Sacco, representing Environment Patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, hands over food hampers to elderly people at Dendende Primary School in Wedza yesterday.
“Despite requiring only a small amount of twigs or sawdust, it is highly efficient, capable of performing all household cooking tasks, and produces minimal smoke. In doing so, it helps conserve trees and reduces the demand for firewood.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mashonaland East Province Advocate Itayi Ndudzo thanked the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa for organising such a wonderful tree planting initiative.
The Minister also spoke highly of the several initiatives being implemented by the Second Republic in the province, singling out the recently opened Wedza Government Complex offices, a state-of-the-art Hwedza-Harare Highway which is almost complete, among several others.
The people expressed their sincere appreciation for the First Lady’s tree-planting initiative, acknowledging the importance of the environmental stewardship lessons received and applauding the distribution of food hampers.
Gogo Juliet Chinguno praised the First Lady for her benevolence and the positive impact of the food donations on her community.
An elderly couple carry their food hampers at Dendende Primary School in Wedza yesterday.
“I sincerely thank Dr Mnangagwa for her thoughtful support. She always remembers us. Her food donations have uplifted us immensely,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Gogo Marian Mandega, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for the food donations that supported her family.
“I am truly thankful to the First Lady for her kind food hampers. They have brought much relief to my household and will complement my foodstuffs,” she said.
Sekuru Cephas Chigwiko also acknowledged the First Lady’s benevolence, highlighting how her contributions helped those in need.
“We are very grateful to the First Lady for her usual supportive food donations. They have made a real difference in our lives. May the dear Lord continue to bless her abundantly.”
An elderly man admires his food hamper at Dendende Primary School in Wedza.
Gogo Rachel Mapindu also applauded the Environment Patron Dr Mnangagwa for her tree-planting initiative, saying its importance for the environment and future generations.
“I commend the First Lady for leading the tree planting campaign. It is inspiring to see our children and community involved in protecting the environment,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Sekuru Timothy Nyoka, also expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s efforts to restore forests and promote conservation.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the First Lady for her dedication to tree planting. Her work in restoring forest cover is truly commendable,” he said.
Among the top dignitaries present were Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, traditional leaders, among several others.
