THE Kruger National Park donated over 180 indigenous trees to schools, residents, indigenous healers and other stakeholders as part of Arbor Week celebrations on Thursday.
Helen Mmethi, the park’s general manager for people and conservation, handed over the plants during a ceremony at Lugedlani Primary in Tonga, Mangweni Village.
Those who attended the event each received an indigenous medicinal tree such as the paperbark thorn. Mmethi said: “The Arbor Week celebration seals the partnership the park developed last year with the school.
“We encourage villagers to plant these medicinal trees in their back yards to boost their health.
“The trees provide herbs, roots, twigs and bark for the healing of many common ailments.”
She encouraged beneficiaries to regularly check on the trees’ progress, asking them to safeguard the species as most of them are endangered because of their medicinal value.
Mmethi said the park engages with community forums and other committees to help residents come up with ideas to develop. The park also helps them implement sustainable greening projects in their kasis.
