THOHOYANDOU – The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Forestry, Mrs Rejoice Mabudafhasi, celebrated Arbor Day at the University of Venda for Science and Technology on Monday, by planting a tree in remembrance of ANC hero and former chancellor of the university, Mr Walter Sisulu.

Mabudafhasi told the people that trees are our heritage, especially indigenous trees, as they contribute to the sustainable use and preservation of one of our scarcest and most precious resources – water.

Mabudafhsi said trees are important because they deal with the negative effects of pollution by providing people with oxygen to breathe, and they are the lungs of the earth. “Trees have economic value, particularly human-made forests, in that they provide jobs to many of our people and economic growth.” She said trees are also important for medicinal use. She discouraged veld fires as they destroy important resources that are central to the sustenance of human life.

Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase said people must avoid deforestation and threatened to take disciplinary measures against people found burning the forest. Tshivhase said he was proud of the forest in the Tshivhase area.