18-year-old plants over 2 000 trees…targets a million by 2030

Blessed Moyo, Sunday News Reporter

AN 18-year-old environmental enthusiast has single-handedly donated over 2 000 trees in Bulawayo and Matabeleland over the past two years, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s ecological landscape.

Miss Simelweyinkosi Masuku’s remarkable environmental feat was inspired by her late grandfather, a dedicated employee of the Bulawayo City Council Parks Department, who planted an astonishing 10 000 trees during his tenure. 

For Miss Masuku, tree planting is more than just a passion—it’s a family tradition that she believes is ingrained in her genes. 

Speaking to Sunday Life, Miss Masuku said she embarked on her tree-planting mission which has resulted in her donating 2 000 trees from her nursery to communities in Bulawayo and Matabeleland over the past two years. 

She said she has a desire to surpass her grandfather in the number of trees.

“I was inspired to start this tree planting journey by my grandfather who did a great job by planting many trees, I want to have planted more than a million trees by the year 2030. I think it’s in my blood, it’s something that runs in the family, and I’m just proud to be carrying on that tradition,” said Miss Masuku referencing her late grandfather’s remarkable tree-planting legacy. 

As Zimbabwe observes 1 December as Tree Planting Day, the importance of this eco-friendly practice cannot be overstated.

She said by planting trees, individuals can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, reducing soil erosion and promoting biodiversity.

Moreover, trees provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and support local wildlife, underscoring their vital contribution to a healthy environment.

Miss Masuku stated that she kick-started this month by planting more than 700 trees in Bulawayo and Matabeleland schools.

“I planted trees at Lukadzi Primary School in Matobo, Sawmills Secondary in Tsholotsho, Maqaqeni Primary Schools in Bubi, Once Upon A Child Primary and Petra Primary Schools in Bulawayo where I donated 10 trees last Wednesday.”

She said she took the initiative to donate to schools following the Government’s support by allowing her to teach learners about nature conservation.

“Protecting and loving the environment has become a lifelong passion for me and I also love to engage with young children and make them take responsibility for their future,” said Miss Masuku.

“The aim is to make them understand that tree planting is everyone’s duty including them,” she added.

In a deliberate bid to not only beautify the landscape but also strengthen the cultural heritage of the communities she serves, Miss Masuku has made it a point to exclusively plant indigenous trees. 

Underscoring the importance of indigenous trees, she said many of those trees boast a profound cultural significance, with some species featuring prominently in traditional folklore, rituals and practices. 

“By planting these trees, I hope to help preserve the cultural identity of the people and communities,” said Miss Masuku.

She highlighted the practical benefits of indigenous trees, noting that they are remarkably resilient and adaptable, particularly to Zimbabwe’s climate.

“Indigenous trees are drought-resistant, which makes them ideal for our weather conditions,” she explained, adding that this hardiness reduces the need for extensive maintenance and care.

As a result, Miss Masuku has focused on planting species like the Berchemia discolor (umnyi tree), the Vangueria Infausta (umtulwa tree), Sclerocarya birrea (amarula tree) the Vachellia xanthophloea (umhlosinga tree) and the Azanza garckeana (uxakuxaku tree).

She, however, said her work has not been without challenges, pointing out that the dry conditions have affected her nursery leading to many trees suffering moisture stress and some drying up.

She appealed to stakeholders in the environmental conservation sector to assist her so that her nursery doesn’t get affected by drought and animal invasion. A perimeter fence, a pump, a Jojo tank and planting bags are what she needs most to continue growing her vision.

“A borehole was drilled but I don’t have the means to get the water out. I have no pump and no tank but I have a lot of trees at my nursery. I am currently enduring the laborious process of manually watering them and some are drying up because I can’t water them all at once,” she lamented.

“My desire is to see the family legacy blossoming into a full-fledged one and I firmly believe that tree planting should be a collective responsibility that should transcend communities.”