Ladies and Gentleman:

Thank you for inviting us to join your community’s celebration of National Arbor Week by launching the “Greening of Potchefstroom” today.  We appreciate this opportunity to take a look with you at the social, economic and environmental importance of trees in a society.  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is proud to be associated with our partners, Food and Trees for Africa, and the Potchefstroom Municipality and citizens on this very significant occasion.

About nine months ago, the Potchefstroom Municipality approached USAID with a well-prepared business plan to line the community’s barren plots and streets with greenery.  USAID was asked to fund a special project for planting 14,000 trees in the greater Potchefstroom area that is home to nearly a quarter of a million people.  We were told that the stark absence of trees and other trademarks of a healthy environment have resulted from the legacy of apartheid planning and lack of service delivery and development in these suburbs.  

USAID has been able to assist the municipality and people of Potchefstroom through one of our ongoing programs aimed at helping local-level government learn about and apply environmental management.  Until South Africans of all color elected a legitimate government in 1994, USAID could and would not even work with the government of this country.  All our support was channeled through nongovernmental organizations.  But we are now involved with all levels of government as well as NGOs—working with South Africans for South Africans in six key sectors:  democracy and governance, education, health and HIV/AIDS, developing economic and employment capacity, and housing/urban improvement.

It is no coincidence that we in USAID support planting of trees in these previously disadvantaged areas.  Those who live in tree-lined suburbs easily forget the benefits they enjoy.  The planting of 1000 trees today in Potchefstroom is evidence that citizens who weren’t assisted by South Africa’s apartheid government have become eager participants and architects in building a more equitable and functional South Africa.      

Trees are important socially as parks and recreational areas become available for parents, children and friends.  Trees are a great investment economically because they help to promote jobs—trees are used in houses and furniture and to grow fruit for food.  Trees are essential in any environmental improvement program because trees produce oxygen needed for every breath we take.  Did you know that a single mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year? 

Trees also improve the air quality by absorbing unhealthy carbons emitted by industrial waste.  Technical people list scores of other ways that trees help save our environment by counter-acting global warming.

One of the most practical ways people benefit from trees occurs during winter time.  Trees break the force of heavy winds, thereby lowering the heating costs for many South African families.  Trees also help prevent soil erosion.  This means that farmers (commercial and for home use) can plant seeds that are more likely to produce vegetables and fruit because of a strong foundation.  The vulnerability of urban and rural residents to natural disasters is also lowered when trees are planted.  These are a few of the ways that trees in our communities contribute to improved health for all.

We at USAID look forward to the continuing role of FOOD AND TREES FOR AFRICA—the agency that spearheaded the Greening Process in South Africa.  This NGO provides trees, education and training to help sustain municipalities for people across this beautiful country. 

USAID is honored to join this National Arbor Week celebration with our partners.  The theme this year is especially symbolic: “Trees are Heritage”.  The majority of South Africans were denied access to this country’s richest resources when apartheid controlled the country.  So you inherited pockets of derelict land and broken structures.  But you are making sure in this young democracy that your heirs—sons and daughters—have a positive heritage in every way, including their land.  We applaud your commitment to respect and protect these trees that are so useful in serving your environment and your people.   

Today, I proudly present this check of R250,000 to Potchefstroom’s City Council.  And I gladly give my support to today’s efforts of planting the first 1000 trees of the 14,000 that these funds will purchase to help green your suburbs within the next two years. 

Thank you.

Further information for media  is available from Reverie Zurba, USAID:  (012) 452-2000