The Otjiwarongo Constituency Office handed over 50 free tree plants to residents in honour of the 12 May Movement, honouring the late Founding President Sam Nujoma, who was born on the same day.

Leading the national planting day in the town, Councillor Paulus Nekundi said the planting of trees has long-term benefits for transforming the town into green spaces.

Nekundi stated that the tree planting initiative is part of the Sam Nujoma Day celebrations. Nujoma originally envisioned transforming the desert-like areas of northern Namibia into greener spaces with trees. This initiative has since expanded to various towns, encouraging the planting of trees in open spaces and private gardens.

"This initiative aims to encourage all Namibians, regardless of their backgrounds, to plant trees in honour of the late Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma." The late Founding President was a passionate environmentalist who strongly advocated for environmental conservation and sustainable land management. One of the most appropriate ways to honour his legacy is by planting trees."

At the constituency office, local leaders and residents planted two trees in Nujoma's honour.

"The national tree planting initiative should therefore be guided by the following firm objectives: to promote a culture of environmental stewardship, to enhance public awareness of environmental conservation, to support climate action and biodiversity conservation, to rehabilitate degraded land, and to transform desert areas into green spaces," said Nekundi.

The initiative started in 2003, and over 2,000 trees have been planted to date.