Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili and Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporters
THREE pupils from Girls College in Bulawayo stood out yesterday as they guided President Mnangagwa during a Zanu PF-organised tree planting session in Famona, Bulawayo, amid calls to preserve the environment.
The tree planting exercise saw the President transforming the Famona Fire Brigade Station Park into a recreational park, where he also unveiled a plaque constructed in his honour.
While it’s common for Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials to preside over events involving the President, the role was given to the trio from Girls College.
The young girls exuded confidence as they interacted with the highest office in the land, explaining the significance of the trees being planted.
A Wisteria tree (wisteria/mukweshangoma/umphaca), known for its drought resistance, was among the 24 trees planted. The area next to the Famona Fire Brigade Station will be converted into a recreational park, highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.
Natasha Sibanda, a Form Two pupil at Girls College, embraced the experience of reciting President Mnangagwa’s totem.
“So when I researched, I found out that he was a Shumba and I am a Sibanda, so I felt connected to him. I felt connected due to the fact that we have the same animal totem but different tribal origins. Previously I didn’t know much about my totem, but when I was researching the President’s totem,
I got to understand myself better,” said Natasha.
While reciting, she referenced the President’s grandfather, General Kushanduka Mubengo, who was part of General Mtshane Khumalo’s warriors that defeated Major Allan Wilson and his 33 men at the Pupu Battle.
Her rendition excited the President Mnangagwa who was seen chatting with Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, seemingly in approval of the young girl’s presentation.
Mutsaiwaishe Mhlanga explained the significance of the tree being planted.
She expressed that she would never forget the moment she had a conversation with the country’s First Citizen.
“It was a very surprising invitation to come here and explain the real importance of going green and saving the planet that my generation is going to grow up into. It was really a great experience. I’m very, very pleased to present to the President the importance of the tree. In the last bit of my citation, I said the tree had some medicinal properties, and the President asked what it can treat. It was that one experience I will never forget till the day I die,” said Mutsaiwaishe.
Otarile Sengwayo shared her excitement as the one who welcomed the President and narrated how the programme would unfold. She also presented a citation for the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
“I did the welcome to His Excellency and the First Lady, and I also proceeded to read the dedication to the First Lady. I don’t know how to describe the experience, but I felt proud of myself. It is a rare opportunity, and I felt very proud to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a presentation to the President,” she said.
Speaking during the tree planting session, President Mnangagwa emphasised that trees are essential for life and will benefit future generations.
“Trees are life because the oxygen that we breathe comes from them. By planting these trees, we want to demonstrate to younger generations that they should conserve trees. The trees we planted today will transform this place into a very refreshing recreational park,” said President Mnangagwa.
“In years to come, younger generations will come and enjoy the breeze here, speaking English, not knowing that one day President Mnangagwa and the First Lady are the ones who planted the trees.”
He named one of the trees after his grandfather, Gen Mubengo.
First Lady Mnangagwa, who is also Secretary for Environment in the Politburo and tree planting ambassador, highlighted the importance of planting trees to counteract ongoing massive deforestation.
“This is a very important day, especially for me as the patron of the environment. We wish the nation could see that we have led in the plantation of trees, especially as we enter the rainy season.
“We want to advise the nation to also follow suit and take advantage of the rains to plant trees. Wherever I go, I have realized we have lost a lot of trees; as such, I urge the nation to partake in planting trees. What we need to know is that trees are life for the living and those yet to be born,” she said.
Online Reporter