The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Bernice Swarts, has thanked South Africans for planting more than seven million trees since the start of the 2026/27 financial year as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme.
Since 01 April 2026, a total of 7 134 711 trees have been planted across the country through the Programme, demonstrating the growing commitment of South Africans to environmental conservation, climate action and the greening of communities.
Deputy Minister Swarts said the milestone reflects the collective efforts of government, the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, communities and individual citizens who continue to support the 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. This achievement demonstrates our shared commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and the preservation of our natural heritage.
“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. 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,” said Deputy Minister Swarts.
The Department recorded increased participation during the nationwide Heritage Day tree-planting campaign on 24 September 2026, which further accelerated the implementation of the Programme. The Heritage Day campaign was activated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who planted a tree at Bongolethu Stadium in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.
Following activation by the President, tree-planting activities took place at sites across all nine provinces, led by Premiers, Members of Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for environmental affairs, municipalities, traditional leaders, businesses, community organisations and citizens.
Deputy Minister Swarts led the national Heritage Day tree-planting activities at Freedom Park in Salvokop, Pretoria, where she was joined by Ambassadors, High Commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps.
“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. Your participation demonstrates the global commitment required to address environmental challenges and build a sustainable future for all,” said Deputy Minister Swarts.
The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme contributes to the creation of sustainable settlements and supports efforts to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It also advances South Africa’s commitment towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and life on land.
Breakdown of trees planted since 01 April 2026 as part of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, by province:
Eastern Cape – 736692
Free State – 326294
Gauteng – 1012051
KwaZulu-Natal – 1052494
Limpopo – 518023
Mpumalanga – 519512
North West – 400619
Northern Cape – 515264
Western Cape – 2053786
Deputy Minister Swarts encouraged South Africans to continue planting trees throughout the year and to register their trees on the Department’s One Billion Trees website - https://10milliontrees.dffe.gov.za/10milliontrees/home - by uploading a photograph and GPS coordinates. This information will assist the Department in tracking participation and monitoring the growth and survival of planted trees.
The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme remains a key national initiative aimed at mobilising all sectors of society to contribute to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and the greening of communities across South Africa.
For more information about the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, please visit: https://10milliontrees.dffe.gov.za/10milliontrees/home or https://www.dffe.gov.za/
#GovZAUpdates
