Thursday, 13 February, 2025

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Maphakama Primary School in Kabokweni outside Nelspruit was the beneficiary of this year’s annual Arbor Day tree-planting event coordinated by the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) and Stop Poaching Endangered African Rhino (SPEAR).

Lowveld businesses celebrates Arbor Day with Maphakama Primary School

Maphakama Primary School in Kabokweni outside Nelspruit was the beneficiary of this year’s annual Arbor Day tree-planting event coordinated by the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) and Stop Poaching Endangered African Rhino (SPEAR).

The event took place earlier this month.

More than 20 companies visited the school to plant trees and vegetables. They were assisted by 1 075 enthusiastic children. 

The highlight of the day was most definitely the SANParks helicopter that was landed on the playground by Kruger National Park chief pilot David Simelane.

SPEAR’s Estelle Roe addressed the learners on the importance of conservation in Kruger National Park, which is a stone throw away from the school grounds. She also introduced representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs who spoke to children about environmental sustainability, while their mascot entertained the little ones. The department left recycling bins at the school for future use. 

Estelle Roe with some of the children.

ACS Spartan’s John Meintjes showed the children how dogs can play a role in the fight against poaching and crime in general. The children also had an opportunity to interact with the dogs.

A few players of the Puma rugby team also joined in the tree-planting activities.

“We are grateful to the Honorary Rangers, who also attended the day and spent time planting trees and engaging with the kids. 

“There was something for all interests with the Book Hive and Gazebo Funky Book Club bringing boxes of books and magazines for the library and spending time with the kids,” Roe said.

All 1075 children were given waters and ice lollies and companies and teachers were given waters, muffins and ice lollies from GoZone and Southern Sun.

The school’s deputy principal, Diffier Thibela, said he appreciated the visit and was grateful that the school was chosen as host for the event. He urged businesses to continue assisting the school.

The companies that attended the day included SPEAR,  the SACBW, Bagdad Centre, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land And Environmental Affairs, the Honorary Rangers, Southern Sun, Stay Easy, ACS Security, CAJV Head Office SA, Tracking Remade, Echo Africa, I For U, Ubunye Brokers, Click Learning,  ZGM, the Puma rugby team, SPAR Lowveld, Radio Laeveld, Lowvelder, myLOWVELD.net, Swift Group, First Step Insurance, La Grace Properties, Stegman Attorneys, Pan Solutions, Gozone Water, Komati Fruits, Fire Control Services, Sociably, Gazebo Funky Book Club, The Book Hive, Assupol and Pest X.

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