Growing Together: 7 Teams and 5000 Spekboom Cuttings

May 10, 2024 | Sustainability

Delecta Fruit Spekboom Planting and Team Building Day 2024

7 Teams and 5000 Spekboom Cuttings

 

On Friday, 26 May 2024, amidst palpable excitement, our teams embarked on a unique journey to various producer farms. Brimming with enthusiasm and a spirit of companionship, they faced spirited challenges, from planting as much spekboom as possible to fostering teamwork and effective communication. It was a day not just for planting trees but for nurturing bonds and strengthening our commitment to sustainability. We aimed to plant 2000 cuttings, but through teamwork and enthusiasm, we ended up planting over 5000! It was truly inspiring to witness everyone come together and exceed our initial goal. This incredible achievement not only showcases our dedication to sustainability but also highlights the power of teamwork and community spirit. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact on the environment and paving the way for a brighter future.

 

Why Spekboom?

Delecta SpekboomAt Delecta Fruit, sustainability is a fundamental principle that determines the point of departure for all our activities at Delecta. That’s why we chose spekboom for our planting initiative. Also known as Portulacaria afra, spekboom is a remarkable succulent native to South Africa. Its environmental benefits are manifold, from combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide at an impressive rate, to promoting biodiversity and soil health. With its ability to thrive in arid conditions, spekboom is a symbol of resilience and regeneration, qualities we strive to embody as a company.

 

The Benefits of Spekboom for Orchard Health:

Furthermore, the spekboom, when strategically planted next to orchards, serves as a natural shield against dust, particularly from nearby roads. This seemingly minor yet significant benefit contributes to the overall health of the orchards by reducing dust accumulation on leaves and branches. When trees are exposed to a lot of dust, it can have detrimental effects on their health. Dust accumulation can physically injure the trees’ leaves and bark, hinder photosynthesis, reduce fruit setting, and cause a general reduction in growth. By acting as a barrier, spekboom helps mitigate these risks, ensuring that our orchards remain vibrant, productive, and resilient in the face of environmental challenges.

Cost-effective and Community-driven:

One of the most remarkable aspects of our initiative is its cost-effectiveness and community-driven nature. It didn’t cost our teams anything significant as we utilised cuttings from neighbours and anyone willing to contribute to our green cause. This not only minimised expenses but also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility towards the environment.

The Importance of Team Building:

Beyond the environmental benefits, our adventurous day was also a testament to the importance of team building. As teams communicated their plans, worked together to source cuttings, and got their hands dirty planting spekboom, they forged bonds that transcend the workplace. Team building isn’t just about boosting morale; it’s about fostering trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, all of which are crucial for our collective success.

 

As the sun set on our adventure, all teams reunited back in Paarl for a well-deserved celebration. A fun-filled spit braai and get-together awaited, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s achievements. It was a reminder that when we come together, united by a common purpose, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

In conclusion, the Delecta Spekboom Planting and Team Building Day wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about sowing the seeds of collaboration, sustainability and community. As the spekboom takes root and flourishes, so too do our connections with each other and our commitment to a greener, brighter future.

Delecta Team Building

To learn more about Delecta’s sustainability initiatives and how we’re making a difference in our communities and the environment, click here. Read more about spekboom’s remarkable environmental capabilities here. Have a look at our Instagram account for fun videos of the day.