First Lady urges tree planting as a way of life

Blessings Chidakwa-Senior Reporter

Environment Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, yesterday rallied communities to embrace tree planting as a lifelong responsibility, saying every citizen has a role to play in building a greener and healthier Zimbabwe.

Dr Mnangagwa made the call while leading a tree planting programme at the magnificent Trabablas Interchange, a modern landmark whose sweeping flyovers and seamless traffic flow now stand as a symbol of national progress and collective effort.

Set against this impressive infrastructure, the First Lady planted an indigenous muunga tree (Acacia fever), which has been the Tree of the Year since 2023.

The exercise forms part of a national campaign launched by President Mnangagwa in Mutare, aimed at restoring forest cover while enhancing the country’s towns and cities.

Tree planting is fast becoming a unifying national movement, with communities across Zimbabwe answering the call to green their surroundings and safeguard the future.

This spirit of collective action was on display at Trabablas Interchange as the Patron of Environment, Dr Mnangagwa, brought together Government officials, private sector players, and local residents who took a leaf from the First Lady and also planted their trees.

Among them were Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Zanu PF’s Deputy Secretary for Environment Joshua Sacco, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Cosmas Chiringa and Harare mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume, among others.

In her address, Dr Mnangagwa said cities and towns across Zimbabwe are set to become greener and healthier as the national tree planting programme continues to gain momentum, with communities encouraged to embrace tree growing as a shared responsibility for environmental sustainability.

Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Cosmos Chiringa plants a muunga tree during a tree-planting event at Trablabas Interchange in Harare yesterday.

“As we gather at this venue, it is not only about planting trees but to plant a vision of beautification of cities and towns in this country. See tree planting not as an occasional event, but as a lifelong commitment.

“The importance of tree planting as one of the means to restore our lost trees and forests cannot be overemphasised.

“It is, however, the survival of such planted trees that determines whether or not we are making the desired progress in our endeavours as a nation,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa said tree planting was more than a ceremonial activity, describing it as a practical investment in cleaner air, climate resilience, and healthier living spaces.

The Patron of Environment said the tree planting initiative is already yielding positive results, with the Forestry Commission reporting that 27,2 million trees had been planted nationwide against a target of 30 million by the end of the                                                                                    season.

“This is testament to the collaborative effort from various stakeholders and I strongly believe that, as a nation, we can surpass the set target. It is my clarion call that everyone should consider planting trees before the end of the tree planting season.

“The act of planting a tree may seem simple, but its significance is profound. A tree is more than a living organism rooted in the soil; it is a guardian of our environment, a silent worker that labours day and night to purify the air, to store carbon, and to provide shade and shelter.”

Dr Mnangagwa added: “In our urban centres, where concrete and steel dominate the landscape, trees become the lungs of the city. They absorb harmful pollutants, filter dust, and release oxygen, reminding us that our health is inseparably linked to the health of our environment.”

The First Lady said Trabablas must be remembered as the place of renewing the pledge to live in harmony with nature, with the planted trees growing tall and strong, standing as living monuments to a vision of a Zimbabwe that is beautiful, healthy, and sustainable.

“As the Patron of Environment and Tourism, I am deeply committed to advancing initiatives that improve the health and well-being of our people. Tree planting is one such initiative, and it requires the participation of all sector Government, private institutions, schools, churches, and communities.

Zimbabwe Republic Police officers plant a muunga tree during a tree-planting event at Trablabas Interchange in Harare yesterday.

“Each of us has a role to play. Let us not see this as the responsibility of a few, but as the duty of all. Imagine if every household planted a tree, if every school nurtured a small orchard, if every business contributed to greening its surroundings. Together, these small actions would create a vast network of green life across our nation,” she said.

The First Lady also called on all citizens to act urgently in addressing climate change, highlighting the vital role that trees and green spaces play in strengthening communities.

“Our trees and forests are among the simplest yet most powerful solutions to the challenges climate change presents. Healthy forests help communities adapt and protect themselves from its impacts,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa also highlighted the health benefits of urban greenery, saying studies worldwide show that people living in greener cities experience lower rates of respiratory illnesses, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being.

“A walk in a park, the sight of flowering trees along an avenue, or sitting under the shade of a tree can restore the human spirit,” she said.

The First Lady stressed the importance of nurturing both mind and body through green urban spaces.

“Green areas are places for recreation, reflection, and community gathering. They are where children can play safely, families can bond, and citizens can find peace amidst the busyness of city life,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa also called on national leaders to integrate tree planting into urban planning, ensuring that every new development includes space for green life.

It was indeed a packed day for the Patron of Environment, who also proceeded to Glen View 2 Primary School, where she led from the front by planting trees alongside learners, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship and nurturing a green culture from an early age.

Dr Mnangagwa urged the learners to share with others what they had learned about tree planting.

In a highly interactive session, the First Lady asked the children about the benefits of trees, with the energetic learners responding:”We get oxygen, fruits, shade, prevention of soil erosion, tree leaves are food for other animals, furniture, paper, pencils, mugoti (traditional wooden cooking stick), and beautification.”

Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu plants a muunga tree during a tree-planting event at Trablabas Interchange in Harare yesterday.

The Wildlife Ambassador, Dr Mnangagwa, also emphasised that while trees beautify the environment and attract tourists, it is equally important to understand that forests and wildlife are inseparable, before asking the learners about the benefits humans derive from animals.

The enthusiastic learners answered: “Meat, foreign currency, leather, protection from dogs, manure, tourism, totems, milk, ivory.”

The First Lady then urged the learners to protect the environment, saying:

“God has entrusted us with the care of the world around us. It is our responsibility to protect it. Let us refrain from cutting down trees.”

Like a typical grandmother, Dr Mnangagwa reminded the children that they must embrace the values of discipline, resilience, hard work, and obedience to realise their dreams.

“Stay away from drugs and substance abuse, laziness, and disrespecting your parents. Focus on your schoolwork. Learn well so that when you grow up, you know what you want to become and how you want to be known. Strive to be a good person.

“Keep yourself clean, bathe regularly, and wear clean, ironed clothes. Help your parents with household chores. Take your studies seriously, as there are scholarships like the Presidential Scholarship and Angel of Hope. Learn and grow to become children of good character,” she said.

The First Lady also asked the learners about the types of love they knew, and they freely responded.

Among their answers were:

“Love for family, romantic love, love that is about helping one another, love between friends, love between parents and children, and Agape (selfless, unconditional love).”

Dr Mnangagwa also cautioned the children against romantic love while still of school-going age, urging them instead to focus on education. She then asked them about the possible effects of early love affairs.

The learners answered: “Pregnancy, diseases, running away from home, dropping out of school, a girl can die from pregnancy complications, poor performance in class, and early marriages.”

It was all smiles for the learners during the interactive session.

The atmosphere was so relaxed that they even made song requests and had the chance to go on the dance floor.

Deputy Minister Sacco expressed delight at witnessing the tree planting programmes, describing the initiatives as “once difficult to achieve but now a reality,” courtesy of the First Lady.

He described the occasion as “a powerful symbol of national unity and self-belief,” praising efforts to beautify the interchange and create a greener, more welcoming space for the community.

Deputy Minister Sacco also highlighted the positive changes already visible at the Trabablas interchange, including reduced traffic congestion.

“This stands as clear evidence that, as Zimbabweans, we are capable of transforming our environment when we work together,” he said.

Deputy Minister Sacco also commended the First Lady, noting her various initiatives ranging from Agric4She and agro-tourism to anti-drug campaigns and the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, which demonstrate a holistic approach to community development.

He also highlighted her work in gastronomy, which has earned global recognition by being named on the Queen of Gastronomy platform, and initiatives such as the Toddlers Warm Bowl in Epworth, which support the welfare of young children.

Permanent Secretary Mr Chiringa described the tree planting ceremony at the magnificent Trabablas as historic, welcoming the First Lady in her role as Patron of the Environment.

He said the initiative aligns perfectly with national environmental goals.

“Harare is fully committed to transforming the capital into a green, sustainable city,” he said.

Harare Mayor Mafume thanked the First Lady for leading the pace in beautifying the city.

“We want to thank the First Lady for coming here in her capacity as Patron of the Environment. We are very happy with the work she is doing for us. What she has done here is something remarkable.

“Just like a mother strengthens the home, she has done the same for the community. The beautification starts with the trees,” he said.