Promoting environmental sustainability to commemorate Unisa’s anniversary

In collaboration with the Directorate of Support Services (Facilities Management Department) and the College of Human Sciences (CHS), the final part of the ceremonial tree planting project was held on Friday, 9 June 2023, at the Unisa campus in Pietermaritzburg.

Left-right: Mumsy Ramabulana (Unisa's Horticulture Intern), Christine Meyer (Unisa's Senior Horticulturist), Prof Mpho Ngoepe (School of Arts Director: CHS), Lungi Nhlenyama (Unisa Regional SRC Chairperson), and Feresane Sibeko (Executive Director: Facilities Management Department)

Support Services (Facilities Management Department) from the main campus provided the plants and pots to decorate the venue for the June graduation ceremonies on 7 and 8 June 2023 in Durban. The brightly painted pots in red, yellow and blue (the university's colours) added a vibrant touch to the atmosphere and made the venue visually appealing. The pots and plants will be reused for future graduation ceremonies. Not only does this help reduce waste and promote sustainability, but it also ensures that the venue continues to look beautiful and inviting for upcoming events.

This project proved the importance of building stakeholder engagement relationships to ensure the success of projects. The successful collaboration between IDube Landscaping and the regional partner enabled a reliable and timely supply of plants, pots, resources and materials, ultimately contributing to the project’s overall success.

Distinguished guests, faculty members, staff members and students gathered at the tree-planting ceremony at the Unisa Pietermaritzburg Hub for this momentous occasion to showcase the rich history and achievements of the university.

Dr Joyce Myeza, Regional Director: KwaZulu-Natal, delivered a welcome address followed by a poem by Unisa student Khuthala Mbongwa. Siyabonga Seme, Communications and Marketing Manager in the region expressed appreciation and gratitude to the partners who collaborated with the region to make the project successful.

A selection of fruit trees, such as litchi and avocado trees, were planted. However, the focus was on creating a small citrus orchard in the front of the campus, nestled between the buildings. Establishing a citrus orchard on the Pietermaritzburg campus is a significant addition to the university's 150^th-anniversary celebrations. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the orchard will offer numerous benefits and opportunities for the campus community. It will provide a sustainable source of fresh citrus fruits for the Unisa campus community.

Citrus fruits are delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, promoting a healthy diet among students and staff. In addition to its nutritional benefits, the orchard will serve as an educational resource. It will allow students to engage in hands-on learning and research in horticulture, agriculture and sustainable food production. Students studying botany or environmental science will gain valuable practical experience in plant growth, maintenance and fruit production.

Furthermore, the presence of fruit trees, including citrus trees, will contribute to environmental sustainability as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, aiding in climate change mitigation. The orchard will also enhance the campus's green spaces, providing shade and improving air quality. In addition, the fruit trees will attract beneficial insects and birds, promoting biodiversity on campus.

The orchard also aims to foster a sense of community and engagement among campus members. It will serve as a gathering place and a point of pride for the campus community.

#Unisa150

*By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region