The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched an ambitious new campaign encouraging South Africans to plant one million trees in a collective effort to fight climate change and protect biodiversity.
Unveiled at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens under the theme “My tree, my oxygen, plant yours today”, the initiative calls on citizens, traditional leaders, NGOs, and businesses to unite in greening the country.
Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts emphasized the importance of community involvement in restoring the environment.
“Our country has suffered the effects of climate change—fires, floods, droughts, and deadly heatwaves. Planting trees isn’t just symbolic—it’s a step towards a safer, greener future for everyone,” Swarts said.
She urged communities to protect existing trees, noting that often, only parts of a tree like leaves or bark are needed for traditional purposes—there’s no need to destroy the whole tree.
Swarts also highlighted the country’s recent loss of 10% of its humid primary forest since 2002 and pointed to alarming global deforestation figures, with 2024 seeing the highest tropical forest loss in recent years.
As part of the National Greening Programme, the department plans to plant the one million trees on September 24, Heritage Day, in a nationwide push to restore the environment.
Meanwhile, Tshwane’s MMC for Environment, Obakeng Ramabodu, echoed the campaign’s goals. He announced the city’s efforts to clean up urban spaces and supported the tree-planting drive as a way to make townships greener and safer.
“This campaign belongs to the people, not to any political party. Let’s stop littering and take pride in our communities. Everyone deserves to live in a clean, beautiful environment,” Ramabodu said.
With a clear focus on sustainability and unity, the campaign aims to inspire lasting change—one tree at a time.