22 June 2016 - As part of its range of sustainability initiatives, Aurecon has partnered with Stellenbosch Municipality to adopt three ‘Champion Trees’ that were planted in front of the ‘Heerenhuys’ in 1880.

In spite of this property being rezoned as a taxi rank in 1952 and almost completely burning down in 1992, the trees have continued to flourish, providing as they do shade for an entire informal market.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries started the ‘Champion Trees’ project to raise awareness and inform the public about the importance of trees, and especially the historical, cultural and tourism value of those trees that have been declared as being of national significance.

In a ceremony held at the Bergzicht Market Precinct on 11 May 2016, a plaque engraved with the history of the Bergzicht Market Trees was unveiled by the Executive Mayor of the Stellenbosch Municipality, Councillor Conrad Sidego.

“We must all take lessons from the ‘Champion Trees’. Just as the branches of the tree work together to grow the strongest tree, we are like the different branches of the same tree. We must all work together to ensure extraordinary achievements and results,” said Sidego.

The event was attended by prominent local horticulturalists, representatives from the Department and the local municipality, together with experts who served on the panel which assisted in the identification and shortlisting of the ‘Champion Trees’.

Portia Bolton, Head of Greening, Department Community and Protection Services, from the Stellenbosch Municipality, said the Municipality is proud to be supporting the ‘Champion Trees’ project by raising public awareness about these magnificent specimens.

“As the first municipality to undertake this commitment, we would like to encourage other municipalities in South Africa to do the same,” commented Bolton

“Aurecon is also proud to be supporting the ‘Champion Trees’ project,” added René O'Connell, Quality, Environment & Sustainability Manager at Aurecon. “The Bergzicht Market Trees have a rich history.

“Aurecon’s involvement is based on our belief that companies such as ours have an important role to play in protecting the world for future generations. We are committed to growing a strong business and contributing to creating a sustainable and resilient world around us.”