The Stellenbosch Municipality and Aurecon have partnered together in adopting the ‘Bergzicht Market Trees’ in support of the ‘Champion Trees’ project initiated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The goal of this partnership is to assist 
the Department in raising awareness and informing the public about, amongst other things, the historical, cultural and tourism value those trees which have been declared as being of national significance.
René O’Connell, Quality, Environment & Sustainability Manager at Aurecon, says that all of the trees which have been identified as ‘Champion Trees’ have a rich history and the Bergzicht Market Trees, located in the Stellenbosch, are no exception. “The three trees were planted in front of the ‘Heerenhuys’ in 1880 and, 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.”
An information board describing the history of the Bergzicht Market Trees was unveiled during a ceremony held at the Bergzicht Market Precinct on Wednesday, 11 May, by the Executive Mayor of the Stellenbosch Municipality, Councillor Conrad Sidego. “We must all take lessons from the ‘Champion Tree’. Just like the branches of the tree work together to grow the strongest tree, we are also like the different branches of the same tree. We must all work together to ensure extraordinary achievements and results,” says Sidego.
Also in attendance at the event were prominent local horticulturalists, representatives from the Department 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, says that the Municipality is proud to be supporting the ‘Champion Trees’ project by raising public awareness about these magnificent trees. “As the first municipality to do so, we would like to encourage other municipalities across the rest of South Africa to do the same.”
Aurecon too is proud to be supporting the ‘Champion Tree’ project. “Our involvement is based on our belief of the important role that companies such as ours should play in protecting the world for future generations. Our passion for sustainability lies in our commitment to growing a sustainable business; and a sustainable and resilient world around us,” concludes O’Connell.