By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
At least 75 Beitbridge residents took part in the 2025 Matabeleland South Walkathon on Friday, a 22-kilometre trek from the Nyaradzo offices in Beitbridge town to Lutumba Adventist School.
Friends of the Environment (FOTE), an affiliate of the Nyaradzo Group, in partnership with the Forestry Commission Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority, Environment Management Agency, the Municipality of Beitbridge, and the Beitbridge Rural District Council organised the event.
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Held under the theme “Rooted in Action: From Footsteps to Forests,” the walkathon was to raise awareness on reforestation, community involvement, and environmental conservation.
In his address at the 16th Provincial Tree Planting/Walkathon, The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Albert Nguluvhe applauded the province for championing the national message of tree planting ahead of National Tree Planting Day.
“Today, as Matabeleland South, we stand tall and proud to lead the nation in promoting the message of tree planting and conservation. Trees are not just part of our landscape they are life itself,” he said.
He paid special tribute to Friends of the Environment for their unwavering commitment.
“Through initiatives such as the now-famous 500 Million Tree Walkathon, you have walked the talk quite literally for the past 15 years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Nguluvhe also highlighted the importance of FOTE’s tree nurseries, noting that Matabeleland South hosts two of them at Ntepe High School in Gwanda and Thekwane High School in Bulilima.
He further linked reforestation to national economic goals.
“Our efforts align with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1. The green economy is not a dream it is here, and it begins with a seed.”
He applauded the Forestry Commission for sustaining national tree-planting efforts, emphasising that forests form the backbone of wildlife conservation, river protection, tourism, and local industries.
Echoing the minister’s sentiments, Chief Sitaudze born David Mbedzi encouraged organisers to promote planting of indigenous species such as the Mupane tree.
“With the continuous cutting of trees, we must replant to replace and preserve what belongs to Beitbridge,” he said.
Among the participants was Nyasha Makambe of Tripple T College, who completed the full 22-kilometre walk.
“I was delighted to be part of this initiative. I commend the organisers for bringing the community together for such an important cause,” he said.
Stella Dokota from Beitbridge Riot, who also walked the entire 22 km, praised the event’s spirit of unity and environmental responsibility.
“It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Walking for the environment gives us pride and purpose,” she said.
All participants received a tree seedling from the Forestry Commission, along with a certificate and a medal in recognition of their commitment to environmental stewardship.
During the event, Nguluvhe, planted the tree of the year the Kigelia Africana, commonly known as the sausage tree at Lutumba Adventist School. He named the tree “Mukwevho.”
The hosting traditional leader Chief Sitaudze, also planted a guava tree, naming it “Mataba.”
Additionally, the Minister, Chief, village head, Beitbridge RDC Council Chairperson Oscar Chiromo, and the Beitbridge West Member of Parliament each received 10 trees to further support reforestation efforts in their respective areas.
Friends of the Environment, founded in 2010 by Nyaradzo Group CEO Mr. Philip Mataranyika, aims to plant at least 500 million trees across Zimbabwe.
To date, the organisation has facilitated the planting of over 37 million trees nationwide.