New urban pocket forests have emerged across Cape Town in Langa, Mitchells Plain, Bo-Kaap, Pinelands and Philippi.
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These were planted using the Japanese Miyawaki afforestation technique, turning vulnerable urban spaces into thriving green areas that support biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. Mzanzi Organics, in collaboration with local primary schools, used this method to plant 800 indigenous trees and shrubs in 200 square metres of Langa, creating the area’s first forest.
Planting began in January, and the Langalibalele Forest was completed in March, one of five new SUGi pocket forests in Cape Town.
Aghmad Gamieldien, founder of Mzanzi Organics and a SUGi forest-maker, started planting these forests in vulnerable and densely populated areas after completing a 2021 fellowship on the Miyawaki forest method with SUGi Pocket Forests. This non-profit organisation promotes biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and reconnecting communities with nature.
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SUGi collaborates with forest cultivators such as Gamieldien to distribute these miniature forests throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America through the application of the Miyawaki technique, which involves the cultivation of densely packed, diverse forests comprising native and indigenous plant species.
Among the vital species featured in the forests of Cape Town are the assegai, yellowwood, milkwood, red alder, and keurboom.
The site where the Langalibalele Forest stands was previously a dumping ground.
‘During the cleanup with the machines, we encountered mounds of refuse accumulated over many years of illegal dumping,’ Gamieldien recalled.
Named after the Hlubi king Langalibalele, who was imprisoned on Robben Island for leading a rebellion against the British and Dutch colonial authorities of the Natal Government in the late 1870s, the forest holds significant historical resonance. Langalibalele, meaning ‘The blazing sun’ in translation, was later resettled to the area now known as Langa upon leaving Robben Island.
‘This forest stands as a tribute to him and his legacy, aiming to highlight positive African history often overlooked in mainstream narratives,’ Gamieldien explained.
The Langalibalele Forest has become a hub for community activities, serving as an outdoor classroom for educational engagements and a venue for musical collaborations between musicians and students.
The first urban pocket forest in Cape Town, located on the KT Grows organic farm in Philippi, served as a pilot project and is now two years and five months old. Following its success, the second forest, the Khoi First Nations Forest, was established at the Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands. This larger forest spans 200 square metres and comprises 600 trees, moving steadily towards self-sustainability.
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‘After two years, the forest becomes self-sustaining. Initially, we provide mulching, watering, and weeding support. However, after this period, the forest thrives independently, mirroring the dynamics of a natural ecosystem. No external watering or mulching is required. It’s truly remarkable,’ Gamieldien explained.
Subsequent to the Khoi First Nations Forest, the Cape Flats forest was planted in collaboration with the Seed Abundance community at Rocklands Primary in Mitchells Plain. This forest, spread across 300 square metres, boasts 1 200 indigenous trees and shrubs, along with an outdoor classroom space for educational activities.
Another notable addition is the Schotche Kloof Forest at Schotche Kloof Primary School in Bo-Kaap, although smaller in size, with 100 trees occupying 25 square metres.
‘The school has embraced the forest wholeheartedly, taking immense pride in its upkeep and maintenance. They’ve actively participated in every stage, from digging and planting to ongoing care,’ Gamieldien remarked.
Accessing government land in Cape Town has proven challenging, prompting the project to focus on partnering with schools due to their more accessible nature.
While community support and involvement are central to the project’s success, gaining their full commitment has posed difficulties.
‘In Mitchells Plain, for instance, we strategically placed water drums around the forest for emergencies or droughts. However, they were quickly depleted due to theft, which was disheartening. Despite such setbacks, we remain committed to our larger vision,’ Gamieldien stated.
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Picture: @sugiproject / Instagram