More than seven million trees have been planted across South Africa since the start of the 2026/27 financial year. Specifically, the Western Cape contributed over two million trees to the total count as part of the implementation of the President's 'One Billion Trees' Programme.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reported that 7,134,711 trees were planted nationwide starting from April 1, 2026/27. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swart, welcomed this significant result, noting the contribution of the government, business, civil society, traditional leaders, and ordinary South Africans to the implementation of this programme.
Western Cape leads in number of trees planted across provinces
According to the department's data, the highest number of trees was planted in the Western Cape—2,053,786. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 1,052,494 trees and Gauteng with 1,012,051 trees. The Eastern Cape registered 736,692 plantings, Mpumalanga—519,512, and Limpopo—518,023. The Northern Cape planted 515,264 trees, North West—400,619, and Free State—326,294.
Swart emphasized that these figures demonstrate growing public participation in the national programme. She expressed satisfaction that South Africans of all walks of life supported the President's 'One Billion Trees' Programme and contributed to planting over seven million trees since the beginning of the current financial year. According to her, this achievement demonstrates a collective commitment to environmental conservation, climate change resilience, and the protection of natural heritage.
Heritage Day campaign stimulated planting efforts
The department specified that citizen participation increased during the nationwide tree-planting campaign held on Heritage Day, September 24. Ramaphosa initiated this campaign by planting a tree at the Bongolethu stadium in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape. The campaign was then extended to all nine provinces, involving provincial premiers, MECs, municipalities, traditional leaders, businesses, community organizations, and residents.
Swart led national events at Freedom Park in Salvokop, Pretoria, which also included members of the diplomatic corps. She thanked all ambassadors, high commissioners, and members of the diplomatic corps for their participation in this important initiative, noting that their presence shows the global engagement necessary to solve environmental problems and build a sustainable future for all.
Government moves towards one billion tree goal
This programme is part of the government's efforts to increase tree planting, restore terrestrial ecosystems, and improve urban greening while promoting climate change resilience. Swart explained that the more than seven million trees planted since April represent another contribution to a much larger national goal. She stated that planting these trees significantly brings closer the realisation of the President's vision of planting one billion trees and strengthens South Africa's efforts to combat climate change, creating greener and healthier communities.
The department urged South Africans to continue planting trees throughout the year and to register the planted trees on its online platform by providing photographs and GPS coordinates.