Johannesburg’s green legacy took root once again on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, when Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and community partners planted 3 000 trees in just one hour between Fourways and Diepsloot.
In partnership with Fourways Improvement District and the community, JCPZ continues to grow Johannesburg’s renowned man-made forest. This initiative forms part of the Presidential One Million Trees Programme, which aims to restore South Africa’s natural environment, improve air quality, and create greener spaces.
During the formal proceedings attended by executive and delegates in the city and joined by community leaders, faith-based groups, residents and local schools, Cllr Sithembiso Zungu, MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, said the programme reflects a collective determination to “build greener, healthier and more sustainable urban spaces”.
“Here in Johannesburg, we are proud to be home to of one of the largest human-made urban forests in the world. This is not just a statistic, it is a living testament to the city’s identity as a vibrant, clean, and green African capital,” said Cllr Zungu.
“Tree planting initiatives are not mere tasks to be completed, they are legacies to be built. Each tree we plant today will stand tall for generations to come. Each tree will remind us of the choices we made to protect our environment, invest in our communities, and prepare for a future that is both prosperous and sustainable.
“In closing, I call upon every resident of Johannesburg to join us in this initiative, whether it’s by planting a tree, caring for a garden or simply spreading awareness. Together we can ensure that when the world arrives in Johannesburg for the G20 Summit, they will find a city ready to host them and inspire them,” Cllr Zungu added.
Executive Mayor Cllr Sello Dada Morero welcomed the initiative, describing it as a symbol of unity and action. “This campaign is about reclaiming our beautiful city through the power of greening. As we plant 3 000 trees today — and another 3 000 in Soweto next week — we are planting a legacy of pride, partnership, and renewal. I call on every resident to become a champion of change: plant trees in your homes, protect the ones we plant together, and join us in restoring Johannesburg to its rightful place as a clean, green, and thriving city.”
Building on this momentum, an additional 3 000 trees will be planted in Soweto on 18 November 2025, further reinforcing the City’s commitment to equitable greening across all regions of Johannesburg.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi