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Programme director,
Members of Executive Council,
Chief Langa,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen:

Trees are a very essential element of our habitat. These trees protect our steep terrain from soil erosion, produce specialist woods, craft materials, fuel wood and are of medicinal value, besides providing valuable tourist attractions. For centuries, these trees have sustained families, communities and businesses as sources for family subsistence and economic growth.

Given that the would be no life on this earth without trees our sense of self-preservation should dictate that we take every possible measure to conserve them. We should therefore take a dim view of anybody who violates the laws of conservation here at home and abroad. We should inculcate this spirit in our children and pass it on the coming generation, because like us they deserve no less. They are entitled to a life-sustaining environment.

Ladies and gentlemen:

Those irresponsible enough to start veld fires should think about the consequences of their actions. We must not light a fire in the open air when it is dry, even if we want to clear land for cultivation. We must be careful with material that can burn. Do not throw burning cigarettes in the bushes. The fires damage our economy by destroying valuable assets and lives.

We call on all of you to join in the process of conserving our environment by planting trees at your workplaces, schools, churches and homes. We also urge all of you to participate in and support actions to conserve our protected areas.

When we use our natural resources, let us use them in such a way that we can spare them for our children. We need to leave behind a living planet for our children as our ancestors did for us. Let us plant trees for our children and our environment.

Ladies and gentlemen:

This year when we plant trees during this Arbour Week, let us plant trees to remember those who died or suffered because of the apartheid legacy of racism in our province and country.

Let us plant these trees as a sign of our commitment to fight racism in our province. Our fight against racism is a fight for a better life for all. And "trees are life - Mehlare ke bophelo"

As a symbol of life, we must also plant these trees in support of people living with HIV/AIDS. The trees in support of those living with HIV/AIDS must serve as pillars for positive living.

Viva forests rich and green! Viva water pure and clean!

Thank you.

Issued by Office of the Premier, Northern Province

31 August 2001