The City of Johannesburg marked National Arbor Month with a major greening drive aimed at planting one million trees in support of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s National Greening Programme.
On 23 September 2025, Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, and MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, joined community members in Eldorado Park’s Boundary Park to plant 1000 trees.
“Under the theme Building an Urban Forest – My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today, the City aims to highlight the importance of tree preservation. Trees clean the air, absorb carbon, and are among our strongest allies in the fight against climate change. Johannesburg is embracing this truth with renewed energy during Arbor Month 2025,” said Mayor Morero.
Cllr Sekwaila added: “In cities, trees cool our neighbourhoods, improve property values, and enhance our quality of life. Johannesburg, often called the world’s largest man-made urban forest, continues to lead the way with greening initiatives. This year we started with symbolic tree planting by U20 Conference delegates to promote climate unity.”
Beyond the flagship planting, JCPZ is rolling out activities across the city:
- Schools, businesses, and community groups are planting indigenous and fruit trees.
- Environmental education campaigns are encouraging residents to take ownership of their urban forest.
- Regional activities include 3000 trees in Fourways (Region A), planting at Zoo Lake and Delta Park (Region B), fruit tree distribution in Regions C and D, and exhibitions in Regions E and F.
- Combatting illegal tree felling, with JCPZ promoting responsible tree care to protect Joburg’s ageing canopy.
With every sapling planted, Joburg strengthens its claim as Africa’s greenest city and renews its commitment to climate resilience and community well-being.
Written by Virgil James