Makananelo Manamolela
THE 2026 National Tree Planting Day, commemorated at Meeling Primary School in Mohale’s Hoek on Friday, underscored the growing importance of public-private partnerships in environmental conservation, with Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) emerging as a key driver of the initiative.
The event was led by His Majesty King Letsie III and attended by Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Members of Parliament, government officials, and the local community.
In his keynote address, His Majesty commended sponsors for their commitment to environmental conservation, highlighting its critical role in both public health and the country’s economy.
He expressed delight that this year’s commemoration focused not only on planting forest trees but also fruit trees, highlighting their nutritional and health benefits.
“I was very delighted when I realised that on this day of commemoration, we are not only planting forest trees but also fruit trees because that is where you will get nutritious food. Fruits and vegetables do not just strengthen the body but also boost memory. Eating these kinds of food reduces frequent visits to health facilities due to various illnesses,” the King said.
He urged communities to take good care of the planted trees and encouraged regular monitoring to ensure their growth. He also directed ministry officials to consistently support communities in sustaining the initiative.
Mr Matekane echoed the call, appealing to beneficiaries to nurture the trees so they can yield long-term benefits.
“Take very good care of these trees so that they can also take good care of you. When you take care of them, you will benefit from them,” Mr Matekane said.
He added that learners stand to gain significantly, as the trees will serve as educational tools, provide firewood for cooking, and supply fruits for consumption.
However, concerns over the protection of such developments were raised by Taung Constituency MP, ’Matiisetso Matsie, who highlighted the lack of security in schools and churches. She warned that without community vigilance, these investments risk being destroyed by stray animals and vandalism.
SLB emerged as the main sponsor, whose financial and strategic support has been instrumental in sustaining the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the bank’s CEO, SLB Head of Business and Commercial Banking, Keketso Makara, revealed that the bank had committed M750,000 over three years (from 2024) towards the country’s reforestation efforts.
“Planting trees is not just about putting them in the ground—it is about restoring hope and demonstrating responsibility. We are now in the second phase of this three-year initiative, and we remain committed to clothing our country, which has become environmentally ‘naked’,” Mr Makara said.
He said the inclusion of fruit trees was particularly significant for children from underprivileged families, many of whom no longer have access to natural food sources that were once abundant.
Mr Makara further stressed the environmental benefits of trees, including oxygen production, air purification, and improved soil moisture retention, all of which are essential for sustainable agriculture.
The Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Mokete Bereng, explained that the initiative is part of the broader “Green Recovery Initiative” launched last year in Botha-Bothe. He revealed that 55,000 trees will be planted nationwide this year, with Mohale’s Hoek accounting for 10,000.
Mr Bereng noted a strategic shift from mass planting to sustainability, explaining that while approximately 1.5 million trees have been planted in recent years, the focus is now on nurturing and ensuring their survival.
“We are no longer just planting and leaving trees. We are now committed to nurturing them until they mature and deliver tangible benefits,” he said.
Meeling Primary School principal, Tebello Hlapane, expressed gratitude for the development, noting that the trees will provide food, firewood, shade, and even income-generating opportunities for the school.