With the G20 Summit just days away, Joburg residents have joined forces with the City of Johannesburg and key private-sector partners in a large-scale greening campaign aimed at transforming major urban corridors. Despite steady morning rain on Tuesday, dozens of volunteers from Fourways civic organisations gathered along Winnie Mandela Drive to help plant 3,000 indigenous trees—an impressive feat completed in just one hour.
The event forms part of the national Ten Million Trees Programme, a presidential directive implemented through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The initiative mandates that at least two million trees be planted every year for five consecutive years. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 campaign is gaining momentum as communities rally behind climate-resilient projects.
Joburg Residents Parks and Zoos (JCPZ) Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew told Our City News (OCN) that preserving and expanding Johannesburg’s natural environment remains a key priority. “Johannesburg is Africa’s biggest urban forest and we want to keep expanding the green canopy by replacing trees lost to age, disease and development,” he said. The city’s reputation as an urban forest is well-known, boasting more than ten million trees—many of which are decades old and in need of replacement.
Joburg Residents Help Plant Indigenous Trees Along Key Transport Route
Stretching 14 kilometres from Uranium Street to Summit Road, the tree-planting site on Winnie Mandela Drive has long been a hub of traffic congestion and air pollution. Volunteers planted two neat rows of indigenous Celtis Africana trees, known for their resilience in urban environments. Once mature, these trees will offer shade for pedestrians, beautify the arterial route, and help reduce carbon emissions in one of the city’s busiest corridors.
The initiative reflects significant collaboration between the City, local businesses, and community organisations including the Fourways Garden Shopping Centre, the Fourways Improvement District, and Better Fourways. Their combined effort showcases what can be achieved when public and private entities work alongside Joburg residents to reinvigorate the city’s green spaces.
David Maluleke, COO of JCPZ, encouraged volunteers by noting the event’s alignment with South Africa’s international commitments during G20. “G20 is here and we wanted to bring our energy to the city,” he said. “People are asking whether we will sustain these efforts even after the G20. G20 has taught us that together as South African citizens we can do more. It is a benchmark.”
For many volunteers, the campaign was more than just a civic duty—it was a personal celebration. Fourways resident Leighanne Charlton told OCN that she chose to mark her 40th birthday by planting trees. “This is such a cool initiative to green the city and improve our air quality,” she said. Her enthusiasm mirrored the energy of the broader volunteer group, many of whom expressed excitement at being part of a lasting environmental legacy.
Joburg Residents-The choice of tree species also reflects the city’s long-term sustainability goals. Indigenous trees such as Celtis Africana are preferred for their ability to withstand local climates, their low water requirements, and their natural compatibility with Johannesburg’s ecosystem. They also play a role in biodiversity, offering habitat and shade while combatting the heat-island effect common in dense urban environments.
The momentum generated during the Fourways event is set to continue. JCPZ has already scheduled another drive to plant an additional 3,000 trees in Soweto on 18 November. According to Maluleke, these efforts are part of a broader programme to inspire ongoing environmental stewardship. “We want to increase the green canopy, to deal with the issue of climate change and to energise our communities,” he said.
For Joburg residents, these initiatives provide a visible, hands-on way to contribute to climate action. As South Africa adapts to extreme weather, rising temperatures, and environmental pressure, expanding green spaces is increasingly recognised as an essential strategy. Urban trees not only absorb carbon dioxide but also reduce stormwater runoff, support ecosystems, and improve mental well-being.
The tree-planting campaign ahead of the G20 Summit has become a symbol of civic pride and unity. What began as a government-led mandate has evolved into a powerful movement driven by the energy and dedication of Joburg residents. It demonstrates that environmental responsibility is not the duty of the state alone but a shared commitment among citizens, businesses and local government.
As the new trees take root, they will stand as living reminders of a day when people from all walks of life came together—despite the rain—to build a greener, cleaner Joburg Residents. The long-term impact of the initiative will unfold over years, but the spirit of collaboration it fostered is already reshaping how communities see themselves as custodians of their city.
Source- EWN