12 Tree-Preneurs Receive Their Bicycles
On 6 April 2016, approximately 70 people attended the Klapmuts Tree-preneur Ceremony, which celebrated the success of this programme that supports local ecological sustainability.Tree-preneurs earn their bicycles by growing indigenous trees through a programme run in partnership with Qhubeka, Wildlands, Spier Wine Farm and the Pedal Power Association.
The event emphasised the importance of the Klapmuts local environment and ecology.
Spier Wine Farm's Tree-preneurs Project Manager Lesley Joemat said, “For me this isn’t a project, it’s a reality, a way of life. We are here to stay in Klapmuts. It’s about giving when you earn it.
Joemat added that the programme needs community involvement and donors. “This is the beauty of people coming together,” she said. “If we come together like we have in Klapmuts, we create sustainability, pride and education with programme participants.”
She explained how the programme works. “It starts with seeds, we care for them, they propagate, we create entrepreneurs, establish a bartering system for Qhubeka bikes, and directly make an impact on the economy. We have a network that works for communities. It’s about creating opportunities for individuals and, ultimately, communities. We all win when we contribute to nature. Let’s stir the pot. Let’s all get involved in improving our community.”
Ten of the Qhubeka bicycles were distributed to students from Klapmuts Primary School who participate in the Tree-preneurs programme, while the other two bicycles were earned by adults in the Tree-preneurs programme. The trees grown by the 12 bicycle recipients will be transplanted throughout Klapmuts.
A local councilor said her goal was to turn the relatively barren Klapmuts landscape into a Constantia or Rondebosch “where there are trees everywhere.”
Event attendees included local political and community leaders, programme sponsors, families and students/teachers from Klapmuts Primary School.
Full story via Qhubeka.