By Bernice Swarts.
South Africa has reached an important milestone in the planting of trees under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme. Since the start of the 2026/27 financial year on 1 April 2026, more than seven million trees have been planted across the country as part of the Programme.
This remarkable achievement is more than just a number. It demonstrates what can be achieved when government, communities, businesses, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and ordinary citizens unite behind a common purpose. The planting of 7 134 711 trees since the start of the current financial year reflects a growing commitment by South Africans to environmental conservation, climate action and the greening of our communities.
I am encouraged by the manner in which South Africans from all walks of life have embraced the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme. Their participation demonstrates a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations.
Trees play a vital role in improving the quality of our lives. They help absorb carbon emissions, improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, provide shade and create healthier, greener living spaces. As the effects of climate change become increasingly visible across the world, tree planting remains one of the most practical and effective ways in which communities can contribute to climate action.
The progress made since April this year brings us closer to achieving President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of planting one billion trees across South Africa. Every tree planted contributes towards building sustainable settlements and strengthening our country’s efforts to protect and restore the environment.
One of the highlights of the Programme this year was the nationwide Heritage Day tree-planting campaign held on 24 September 2026. The campaign was activated by President Ramaphosa, who planted a tree at Bongolethu Stadium in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. Following this activation, tree-planting activities took place across all nine provinces, led by Premiers, Members of Executive Councils responsible for environmental affairs, municipalities, traditional leaders, businesses, community organisations and citizens.
I had the privilege of leading the national Heritage Day tree-planting activities at Freedom Park in Salvokop, Pretoria, where we were joined by Ambassadors, High Commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps. Their participation highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges and building a sustainable future for all.
The distribution of trees planted across the provinces demonstrates the broad national support for the Programme.
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
These figures show that South Africans in every corner of the country are responding positively to the call to protect and restore our environment.
The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme also contributes directly to South Africa’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and life on land. Through this Programme, we are not only planting trees, but also investing in healthier communities, stronger ecosystems and a more sustainable future.
While we celebrate this important milestone, our work is far from over. I encourage all South Africans to continue planting trees throughout the year and to register their trees on the Department’s One Billion Trees website at https://10milliontrees.dffe.gov.za/10milliontrees/home by uploading a photograph and GPS coordinates. This information assists the Department in tracking participation and monitoring the growth and survival of planted trees.
The success of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme belongs to every South African who has planted, nurtured or supported a tree.
As we look ahead, I encourage even more South Africans to join the Presidential One Billion Trees movement. Every tree planted today is an investment in a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient South Africa for generations to come.
Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment.