A breath of fresh air for Thaba

Thabazimbi – The Thabazimbi Business Chamber aims to brighten up Thabazimbi and get the community involved to bring about change by planting ‘spekbome’ in the Thabazimbi surrounds.

Driansu van der Nest told Platinum Bushvelder that the ‘spekboom’ initiative started at the beginning of last year and by end of February 2023 the project truly gained momentum. 

All you have to do is plant spekboom cuttings and maintain it. The Business Chamber will provide the cuttings, and where needed they will assist with workers, water and equipment. The plant, also known as an ElephantBush, Dwarf Jade, or PorkBush has bright green, circular leaves, and has the ability to absorb up to 4 tons of carbon per hectare, consequently having a positive impact on climate change and air quality. 

The spekboom is native to the Eastern Cape where elephants like to feast on their tasty leaves, hence the name ‘ElephantBush’. 

Water is also not a problem for the environmentally friendly plant as it is drought resistant and can survive on 250 mm to 350 mm of water per year and is incredibly adaptable.

The cuttings should be planted 10 cm apart and needs to be watered once every two weeks—it really is that easy! 

For more information contact Driansu on 082 319 3537.

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