GEORGE NEWS - The recent felling of a yellowwood tree that was over 25 years old sparked vehement response from heritage and environmentally conscious citizens.
The yellowwood had to make way for a new fence and electric gate at Pacaltsdorp Secondary School. It was planted by a former teacher of the school, Desmond Sauer, together with members of the school's Green Club that he had established.
Pacaltsdorp resident Willie-John van Niekerk, of the George Heritage Trust, expressed his shock and dismay.
"It is worrisome that an institution that has the responsibility to teach our children the true values in life sets such an example. It serves no purpose when those who care for the environment plant trees and our educators destroy such efforts. In addition to its protected status, this tree also had a lot of sentimental value. There must be consequences for the one who gave permission for it to be cut down."
Monica Vaccaro of the Garden Route branch of Wessa (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) confirmed that yellowwoods are protected and a permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) is required for trimming or felling. "The tree could have been accommodated if the gate had been positioned a metre or so to the one side. There was no reason to cut it, as it does not interfere with the mechanism of the gate."
Vaccaro said the matter was reported to DFFE, but to date no feedback has been received.
On behalf of the school, Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Unathi Booi said the department had appointed a contractor to install a new school fence, which was done during the July school holidays. No instructions were given by the department or school management for the tree to be removed.
"We will cooperate with any investigation going forward."
Since the incident, the school has acquired yellowwood trees on its own initiative that will be planted on the school grounds, according to Booi.
By the time of going to print the DFFE had not yet responded to a request for comment.
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