By Matshediso Selebeleng

As part of the 1 Million Tree Campaign under the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Programme, Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elzabe Rockman, planted approximately 150 indigenous trees at eight Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Bohlokong, Letsemeng Local Municipality, on Saturday. Rockman was accompanied by the Chief Director of Environmental Quality and Protection, Nozi Nkoe, among other officials. Through the National Greening Programme, South Africa has committed to planting five million trees over a five-year period as part of broader efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. Rockman urged the centres and surrounding communities to refrain from cutting down trees, stressing the long-term environmental consequences. “Planting trees marks a significant step towards educating young children about environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices in the Letsemeng Local Municipality,” she said. She warned that deforestation could worsen climate conditions and undermine efforts to build resilient communities. Nkoe echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vital role trees play in human existence — from producing oxygen and preventing soil erosion to shielding homes from strong winds. In addition to the tree-planting initiative, Rockman handed over gardening tools to beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), including vegetable seeds, wheelbarrows and organic fertiliser pellets. Forty EPWP contracts were also awarded to local residents. She said the recruitment process was aimed at ensuring inclusivity, particularly for youth, women and persons with disabilities. “We must ensure that these temporary jobs contribute to reducing the cost of living and equip participants with the necessary skills required by the sector, so that service delivery benefits both the community and the local environment,” she said.