Konica Minolta South Africa has donated 400 trees in response to government’s call to plant indigenous trees during Arbor Month. In partnership with NPO Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), Konica Minolta South Africa donated 200 trees to Robben Island as well as 200 trees to be planted in Mvezo in the Eastern Cape, where Nelson Mandela was born and grew up.
‘Konica Minolta South Africa established the partnership with FTFA in 2008 to plant trees in an effort to offset our carbon footprint, and thereby help in combatting climate change. Through this particular project we also sought to commemorate the life of Nelson Mandela, by planting trees in areas connected with his legacy including Robben Island and his birthplace, Mvezo. Last year we planted 101 trees on Robben Island to celebrate the 101st anniversary of Madiba’s birth and during National Arbor Month, we once again supported the Robben Island Museum’s long-term plan to rehabilitate sustainable vegetation at this historical location,’ said Marc Pillay, CEO of Konica Minolta South Africa.
‘Arbor Week is a time during which South Africans re-emphasise the value of trees by planting and maintaining indigenous trees across the country, most especially within disadvantaged communities, which are often areas that are barren or water stressed. Through the initiative #PlantHopeWithUs, we get to bring hope, a sense of optimism, shade, and fresh air to these areas where Madiba once lived while ensuring the continuity of his legacy,’ concluded Pillay.
‘The tree planting partnership with Konica Minolta South Africa has enabled Food and Trees for Africa to push the boundaries of tree planting projects throughout South Africa. Planting trees at Robben Island has enabled us to contribute to an environmental conservation project that is also part of cultural heritage work, one of the first such projects in the country,’ explained Emily Jones, Trees and Carbon Programme Manager at Food & Trees for Africa.
In line with Arbor Month activities during September, Konica Minolta Gauteng, an authorised dealer of Konica Minolta South Africa, recently donated 20 trees to Nokuphila School in Tembisa, located to the north of Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni. Through the collaboration with FTFA, Konica Minolta South Africa has planted more than 50,000 trees across the country and has achieved and maintained carbon-neutral status since 2013.
KONICA MINOLTA SOUTH AFRICA
(+27 11) 661 9000
https://www.konicaminoltasa.com/en-za
