Konica Minolta South Africa honours Madiba Legacy

On Friday, May 14 2021, Konica Minolta South Africa’s Pietermaritzburg branch together with highly regarded greening NPO, Food & Trees for Africa, planted 120 indigenous trees at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, as Konica Minolta South Africa continues an annual tradition of honouring former President Nelson Mandela's legacy, by donating and planting trees at specific heritage locations. 
Previously selected sites include Robben Island, Mvezo in the Eastern Cape where Madiba was born and grew up, as well as Howick. This moment of incredible cultural and historical significance is commemorated by the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. This is an inspiring tribute that includes a long pathway to view a world-renowned sculpture to commemorate Madiba.
“Our Pietermaritzburg branch team believe in enhancing and protecting our local environment in a meaningful way, in order to ensure a legacy for future generations. The indigenous trees we have planted at this remarkable place, do just that, offering a multitude of benefits for a community,” explains Craig Sadler, Pietermaritzburg branch manager at Konica Minolta South Africa.
A further 900 trees will also be planted in the greater Howick and Pietermaritzburg areas, bringing the total donation in the area to 1,020 trees. These trees will offset an incredible 376.38 tCO₂e in their lifetime.
After the planting of these 1,020 trees, Konica Minolta South Africa would have planted a grand total of 56,198 trees which include Spekboom and bamboo across South Africa. These trees will offset an incredible 20,737.27 tCO₂e. 
Over several years 129 community educators have been trained to help educate learners at the various schools, where trees have been planted over the years. Amongst other topics, these educators have trained learners about why trees should be planted, the place of trees in the ecosystem and how to look after them.
“We are grateful and honoured that the trees have been donated and that the Mandela Capture Site was the chosen location for these beautiful trees that will grow and provide shade and greenery. We firmly believe this commitment will go a long way in keeping Madiba’s legacy alive and ensuring that the environment that he loved remains green and protected,” concludes Christopher Till, Director at the Apartheid Museum.