ABOUT 60 educators from various schools in UMgungundlovu left Durban highly impressed after visiting the ITrump Area Based Management’s rooftop garden on 27 November on a learning exchange.

The initiative was organised by the Environmental Empowerment Services (EES) that works closely with schools and stakeholders with the aim of promoting environmental management practices. Head of the Area Base Management (ABM) Unit Linda Mbonambi said the City was more than happy to host the educators. “Our rooftop garden is a multifunction environmental education and information centre.

The garden incorporates indigenous succulents, landscaped gardens, food landscaping and vegetable and herb tunnels. The garden was built from recycled products including old tyres, drums and pallets,” said Mbonambi. He said the ABM was now a conduit of information. “We recently hosted the City of Umhlathuze on a benchmarking exercise where we shared information and exposed councillors and officials to the operations of ABMs.

This includes among other things coordination, facilitation and integration which ensures efficiency in the delivery of services,” said Mbonambi. Mabu Mkhathi a teacher from Open Gate Special School in Pietermaritzburg said she was impressed by the rooftop garden. “I have learned a lot today and I can honestly say that I have been amazed by everything I have seen. I like the idea of planting herbs in tunnels and the way in which used materials has been used to become part of the garden.”