Oudtshoorn:South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Since the commencement of the 2026/27 financial year on April 1, 2026, over seven million trees have been planted nationwide as part of this environmental effort.
According to South African Government News Agency, this achievement reflects a collective commitment by South Africans to environmental conservation and climate action. The programme unites government, communities, businesses, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and citizens in a shared purpose of greening the country.
The initiative emphasizes the vital role trees play in improving quality of life by absorbing carbon emissions, improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, providing shade, and creating healthier living spaces. Tree planting is highlighted as a practical and effective measure against climate change.
Progress since April 2026 supports President Ramaphosa's vision of planting one billion trees across South Africa. Notably, a nationwide tree-planting campaign on Heritage Day, September 24, 2026, was activated by the President at Bongolethu Stadium in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, and involved activities across all nine provinces led by various leaders and citizens.
The distribution of trees planted since April 2026 by province is as follows: Eastern Cape - 736,692; Free State - 326,294; Gauteng - 1,012,051; KwaZulu-Natal - 1,052,494; Limpopo - 518,023; Mpumalanga - 519,512; North West - 400,619; Northern Cape - 515,264; and Western Cape - 2,053,786.
The programme aligns with South Africa's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, sustainable communities, climate action, and life on land. It promotes the planting of trees as an investment in healthier communities and a more sustainable future.
As the initiative progresses, South Africans are encouraged to continue planting trees and register them on the Department's One Billion Trees website. This process aids in monitoring participation and the growth and survival of the trees.
The success of the programme is attributed to the collective efforts of all South Africans involved in planting, nurturing, or supporting trees, contributing to a greener and more climate-resilient nation.