Nationwide Campaign to Plant 10 Million Trees on Heritage Day

Pretoria:Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts is set to lead a nationwide campaign to plant 10 million trees on Heritage Day, September 24, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and promote environmental sustainability across South Africa. According to South African Government News Agency, this campaign is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's Presidential One Billion Trees Programme. The programme seeks to involve South Africans from various sectors in efforts to green the country and mitigate climate change impacts. The initiative is a collective effort involving government entities, businesses, private sectors, interfaith organizations, the diplomatic community, traditional leaders, NGOs, youth groups, and local communities. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, which emphasizes strengthening resilience against climate-related hazards, incorporating climate change measures into policies, and enhancing public awareness on climate adaptatio n. Major tree-planting events will be held in Pretoria and Johannesburg. In Pretoria, Swarts will lead activities at Freedom Park Heritage Site in Salvokop and later join Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha in Noordgesig, Soweto, Johannesburg. Similar activities will occur in all nine provinces, led by respective Premiers or MECs for environmental affairs. The campaign underscores the importance of climate resilience, environmental awareness, and community engagement in greening efforts. It also supports the SDGs' objectives on climate action and sustainable land management, including forest conservation and land restoration.