LOERIE – The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature on 23 February strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability and community upliftment through the planting of five indigenous trees at Loerieheuwel Primary School in Kouga.
The initiative forms part of the Legislature’s provincial greening campaign, which seeks to promote climate awareness, restore indigenous biodiversity, and instil environmental responsibility among young people.
The event was attended by a Member of the Provincial Legislature, Dr Vicky Knoetze, the Kouga Local Municipality Speaker, Lorraine Maree, Kouga PR Councillor Gregory Stuurman, Bongani Finiza from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and representatives from Old Mutual.
Engaging with learners, Knoetze emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship from an early age.
“One of the ways to combat climate change is to plant trees.
“Today you are planting trees that future generations will enjoy and benefit from,” she said.
Speaker Maree highlighted the critical role trees play in sustaining life and improving the quality of the environment.
“Trees are not only for shade; they provide oxygen and support life. Just as water is essential, so too are trees,” she said, while thanking the DFFE for selecting Loerieheuwel Primary for the planting programme.
In addition to the environmental focus, the school received school shoes and dignity packs during a symbolic handover, reflecting a holistic approach that links environmental care with learner well-being and human dignity.
The indigenous trees, planted on the school grounds, will provide shade, enhance the school environment, and serve as a living educational resource for environmental learning.
