By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
He was once a pupil at Insukamini Primary School in Mpopoma where effects of climate change were beginning to affect studies.
He endured blistering heat especially for hot sitting classes and no tree shade to go under in times of gusty winds.
But now that he is the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry for Zimbabwe, Honorable Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu understands how to mitigate the effects of climate change than ever before.
This year, he and former classmates decided to reunite on the sidelines of Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo at the school to plant trees for the orchard and woodlot.
Following a presentation Insukamini Primary School head, Mrs Thandi Nkomo, the Minister used his sphere of influence to ensure the pupils will not suffer the same way he did.
Minister Ndlovu pledged support for the school including the provision of laptops for the computer library, a tour of some of the heritage sites and at least 200 chicks to start a poultry project which will provide protein to pupils.
According to Mrs Nkomo the vegetables from the garden did not provide a balanced diet for the pupils to study and do well in school so the poultry project would provide the much needed protein.
“My coming here at Insukamini highlights the importance of planting trees. Even though the major reason for coming to Bulawayo is for Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo.
“I saw it fit to come to this my former school (Insukamini Primary) to lead the initiative to promote tree planting in schools,” he said.
“I was here for seven years as a student from 1987 to 1993. I would like to pay tribute to my former classmates who have decided to join me in this noble initiative.
“I would also like to recognize parastatals within my ministry including the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Allied Timbers, ZimParks, and Forestry Commission who are participating in tree planting at the identified schools.”
Minister Ndlovu said it was everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment in pursuit of mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“Every child in primary school should plant a tree. This will help recover the forests being destroyed by veld fires,” Hon Ndlovu said.
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