By: Mathias Hangala
Arbor Day at the Onghuwo Yepongo Centre in Windhoek was celebrated by gifting over 40 residents of the Tobias Hainyeko Constituency with vegetable seed packs and a fruit tree each last week.
The initiative, spearheaded by the City of Windhoek (CoW) in partnership with First National Bank (FNB) Namibia, aims to contribute to food security and promote sustainable living practices across the city.
Speaking at the event, deputy mayor Clemencia Hanases reaffirmed the City’s commitment to building a world-class African city through sustainability, resilience, and inclusive partnerships. She emphasised that collective efforts between the government, private sector, civil society, and communities are essential to achieving this vision.
Among CoW’s key Arbor Day commitments this year are the planting of over 2,000 trees citywide, the establishment of new nurseries to support ongoing greening efforts, and the strengthening of partnerships that promote urban biodiversity and the restoration of green spaces.
“Together, we are planting the seeds for a greener Windhoek and a brighter future,” Hanases said, urging residents, schools, and businesses alike to join the city’s greening movement.
Arbor Day is a global initiative that encourages individuals and groups to plant and care for trees. While its date of celebration varies by country and climate, its message remains universal: to preserve and enhance the environment.
Last year, FNB pledged to donate 400 indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as 100 flower boxes to CoW over three years as part of its support for the initiative. During this year’s event, held under the theme ‘Forests and Food,’ CoW mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja and FNB’s Head of SME Banking, Nesdha De Jongh, planted fruit trees at the Onghuwo Yepongo Centre. Community members assisted and pledged to care for the trees, which were distributed to residents as a symbol of nourishment and growth.
“This year’s tree of the year is Philenoptera violacea, a species valued for its ecological benefits,” Larandja noted.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Larandja encouraged residents to form a personal connection with their trees.
“Name your tree after something that reminds you of what truly matters in life and nurture it with love. Every tree we plant is a living promise—a promise of nourishment, healing, and environmental resilience,” she said.
She also extended gratitude to FNB Namibia for their consistent support over the past three years, saying their contribution has visibly transformed Windhoek’s public spaces into greener and more welcoming areas.
‘Representing FNB Namibia, De Jongh reiterated the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability through its ongoing three-year Greenery Project in partnership with CoW. To date, FNB has donated 400 plants, including 300 indigenous trees and shrubs and 100 concrete pot plants, placed along major roads, at schools, and at municipal facilities. The total value of the project stands at N$900,000.
“By replacing aging exotic trees with drought-tolerant indigenous species, the initiative not only beautifies Windhoek, but also enhances sustainable urban living,” De Jongh said.
One of the recipients, Herman Kapukuru, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Tobias Hainyeko community.
“It’s an honour for our constituency to host this year’s Arbor Day celebration. These fruit trees will be a lasting source of nourishment and pride. I encourage my fellow residents to care for them and ensure they thrive,” Kapukuru stated.
Moreover, this collaborative initiative is expected to continue transforming Windhoek’s public spaces—showcasing the power of partnership, community spirit, and shared responsibility in shaping a greener, more resilient city.
“Together, we are not just planting trees. We are planting hope, unity, and a sustainable future for generations to come,” Hanases concluded.
