Mt Tree Story: Dennis Tawana Mahlanza.

Where are the Trees?

My name is Dennis Tawana Mahlanza, a young man from Bulawayo. Being from Bulawayo an urban area where everything was ‘infrastructure advanced’ it always made me ask myself, “Where are the trees?” as I used to see a lot of poles and that was the closest I could get to seeing different variety of trees .I used to see weeds, shrubs and exotic trees such as avocado trees and mango trees and these were generally fruit trees and they helped provide shade and fruits. These questions invoked in me the interest and love for nature from an early age. I remember when I was younger and others were out playing sports I would be watching National Geographic channel and it taught me a lot about nature and made me realize we are who we are because of nature. Nature provides us with ecosystem services such as oxygen that helps us survive .Ever since my interest in National Geographic  Channel, I decided then that I would major in management of natural resources as I understood their economic, social and environmental  role they play in our lives.

 

When I came to Marondera to do my degree that is when my experience and appreciation for biodiversity grew more and more. Taking part in environmental courses taught me the need to sustainably manage trees and the possible consequences that would result if I didn’t.  It therefore answered my question “where are the trees?” and made me understand that the trees were being cut down excessive to pave way for fancy buildings and economic growth.

 

If you were a tree, what would you be and why?

If I were a tree, I would be a Brachystegia Spiciformis, commonly known Msasa. It is an African tree having a compound of small fragrant flowers. It grows in savanna savanna grass lands and open woodland of Zimbabwe. The word msasa means rough plant. In Venda it is called mutsiwa which means “the one that is left behind”. The meaning of msasa reflects a lot to me as I was the only one left behind in terms of sustainable natural resource management exposure. My nature knowledge was limited as I grew up surrounded by built up area and infrastructure. The Msasa tree is dominant over large areas, it is the most dominant tree and it reflects to me as every task I am given I dominate and come out triumphant.

Msasa trees are slow growers and I believe that makes it resonate with me as I also take my time in growing, as it is a process. I love to be a Msasa tree and the possibility of conquering the world. An all rounder: Msasa is used for fuel and charcoal, nectar tree for bee keeping, provides good fodder and for mulching. The benefits of Msasa are similar to me as I also love to help others reach their goals. In addition I also fuel production and growth of my peers through my hardworking, strong character and educational expertise.

 

Written by: Dennis Tawana Mahlanza

Environmental Buddies Zimbabwe Intern 2021-2022

+263 783 859 232