Schools benefit from 'green' initiative

L-R: Jay Mothiram, Liberty Properties; Mr CH Christiaan, EW Hobbs School; Siya Makhaye, Aveng Grinaker

A total of seventy trees have been planted by volunteers from both businesses, with the help of children from the various schools.

"We don't often stop to think how important trees are in the environment in which we operate," MD of Liberty Properties, Maurice Mdlolo said. "Apart from visual appeal, trees have some very practical benefits: they provide shade, clean air, define recreational areas and generally remain in place for many generations." He also emphasised the company's commitment to being a responsible business, with an obligation to the value of sustainability. "It is critical that the next generation adopts a culture of planting and replacing trees for the longevity of our planet."

Brian Wilmot, MD at Aveng Grinaker-LTA agreed. "Our tree-planting exercise presents an opportunity to further enhance the learning landscape for students, leaving a positive and lasting legacy. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, community upliftment is central to this project."

Provision of support

The selection of the schools was motivated by the regions where Liberty owns retail and commercial properties and in communities where both Aveng Grinaker-LTA and Liberty Properties are active. Three are in Gauteng, one in Port Elizabeth, another in Pietermaritzburg and one in Cape Town.

Liberty Properties and Aveng Grinaker-LTA have enlisted the help of Food & Trees for Africa to ensure the project is executed in a sustainable way. The social enterprise will provide project support by sourcing the most suitable trees for the relevant spaces, provide instructions on how to plant and maintain them as well as educate the learners around the importance of trees in the environment.

This is not the first time the companies have partnered together on a corporate responsibility project that has its roots in education. They share a successful professional relationship, having worked on several property developments together over the years, and have nurtured a mutual commitment to sustainability and community involvement.