On 7 July 2025, SANBI hosted the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) to launch the first-of-its-kind environmental stewardship initiative, the ambitious “One Million Trees” campaign. The launch event, held at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, brought together government officials, country ambassadors, community leaders, schools, environmental advocates, and eager volunteers, all united by a shared vision for a greener future.
Ms Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of the DFFE, officially launched the event, which aims to plant one million trees across South Africa under the theme “My tree, My oxygen. Plant yours Today.” This programme forms part of the National Greening Programme, which calls for the planting of 10 million trees nationwide over a five-year period ending in 2026, with 60% fruit and 40% indigenous.
A highlight of the launch was the exciting announcement that SANBI has been officially designated as a Tree Bank, where donated trees will be stored at the 11 South African National Botanical Gardens. This significant recognition means SANBI’s premises will serve as a vital hub for collecting, storing, and distributing saplings and seeds, playing a crucial role in South Africa’s broader biodiversity and conservation efforts.
SANBI CEO, Mr Shonisani Munzhedzi, emphasised SANBI’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, stating, “This campaign is more than just planting trees; it’s about investing in the health of our planet, fostering biodiversity, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations. Our role as a Tree Bank further solidifies our dedication to being an active participant in environmental conservation”.
The atmosphere was vibrant with anticipation as attendees gathered to witness the symbolic planting of the first trees by Deputy Minister, Ms Bernice Swarts. She said, “I am a firm believer that things can be possible if we put our minds to them and focus. It is for this reason that I put forth a challenge that we plant one million trees in a single day, on 24 September 2025, during Heritage Day, while we will still be celebrating Arbour Month.” She also encouraged attendees to heed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to plant billions of trees. “The journey towards planting a billion trees starts with our commitment today, pledge and donate trees to participate in the One Million Trees campaign,” said Deputy Minister Ms Bernice Swarts.