South Africans plant more than 7.1 million trees since April - IOL

South Africans planted more than seven million trees across the country since the start of the 2026/27 financial year.

More than 7.1 million trees have been planted across South Africa since April, with the Western Cape accounting for more than two million of the total as government pushes ahead with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said 7,134,711 trees had been planted across the country since the start of the 2026/27 financial year on April 1.

Deputy Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Bernice Swarts has welcomed the milestone, crediting government, businesses, civil society, traditional leaders and ordinary South Africans for contributing to the programme.

Figures released by the department show the Western Cape recorded the highest number of trees planted at 2,053,786, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 1,052,494 and Gauteng with 1,012,051.

The Eastern Cape recorded 736,692 trees, while Mpumalanga planted 519,512 and Limpopo 518,023.

The Northern Cape recorded 515,264 trees, North West 400,619 and the Free State 326,294.

Swarts said the figures showed growing public participation in the national programme.

“I am pleased that South Africans from all walks of life have embraced the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme and contributed to the planting of more than seven million trees since the start of the current financial year,” Swarts said.

“This achievement demonstrates our shared commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and the preservation of our natural heritage.”

The department said participation increased during a nationwide tree-planting campaign held on Heritage Day on September 24.

Ramaphosa launched the Heritage Day initiative by planting a tree at Bongolethu Stadium in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape.

The campaign was subsequently rolled out across all nine provinces, with premiers, MECs, municipalities, traditional leaders, businesses, community organisations and residents taking part.

Swarts led national activities at Freedom Park in Salvokop, Pretoria, where members of the diplomatic corps also participated.

“I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to all Ambassadors, High Commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps who joined us in this important initiative,” she said.

“Your participation demonstrates the global commitment required to address environmental challenges and build a sustainable future for all.”

The programme forms part of government's efforts to increase tree planting, restore terrestrial ecosystems and improve the greening of communities while contributing to climate resilience.

Swarts said the more than seven million trees planted since April represented another contribution towards the much larger national target.

“The planting of these trees contributes significantly towards the President’s vision of planting one billion trees and strengthens South Africa’s efforts to combat climate change while creating greener and healthier communities,” she said.

“I wish to thank every South African who has participated in this important national initiative and encourage those who have not yet taken part to join the One Billion Trees movement.”

The department has urged South Africans to continue planting throughout the year and to register planted trees on its online platform by submitting photographs and GPS coordinates.