Zinhle Masilela and Rodney Hlatshwayo
Nkangala – With spades in hand and hope in their hearts, the communities of Emalahleni Local Municipality and Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) joined the national One Million Trees Initiative led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE).
This campaign is aimed at fighting climate change and building an eco-conscious future. In the next five years, the campaign aims to plant 10 million trees nationally.
Across Mpumalanga, hundreds of indigenous trees found new homes in schoolyards, open fields and neighbourhoods. More than just a planting drive, the initiative is a living symbol of hope, heritage and shared responsibility.
In Delmas, the Victor Khanye Local Municipality launched its participation in the campaign with the planting of 50 indigenous trees donated by Sephaku Cement. The trees were distributed across five schools, Mafa Max Motloung Primary, Vezimfundo Primary, Sizofunda Primary, Fundisisa Primary and Delpark Primary.
“Today, we gather not only to plant trees, but to plant hope, life and a legacy for future generations,” said the Executive Mayor of Victor Khanye Local Municipality, Vusi Buda. “If each one of us plants and protects a tree, together we will reach one million and beyond.”
Municipal Speaker Henry Ngoma linked the project to the broader fight against climate change. “The best way to reduce carbon is through plantations. By planting 10 million trees over the next five years, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring a greener tomorrow.”
DFFE representative Boitumelo Kgaphana, said: “By teaching young people about tree planting and conservation, we’re empowering them to become eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.”
In Emalahleni, the tree-planting campaign dovetailed with Arbour Month and Heritage Day celebrations. A total of 300 indigenous trees were planted throughout the municipality, with the official launch taking place at Blackhill Schoongezicht Primary School in KwaGuqa Extension 10. Children eagerly rolled up their sleeves to join councillors, environmental officials and educators in planting the first saplings.
Among them were councillor Klaas Mbethe, municipal manager Sizwe Mayisela and Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development representative Christopher Sangweni.
“Indigenous trees are the backbone of our environment. Today, we are planting more than just trees, we are planting life and hope,” Sangweni said.
Mayisela added, “Tree planting is about heritage, culture and responsibility. These trees will grow with our children, providing shade, clean air and a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the environment.”
Speaking on behalf of the School Governing Body, Nkosi said: “Our learners are lucky to be part of this project. They are walking away with skills they can use for life. This is heritage in action.”
Both municipalities reinforced a clear message: sustainability and development go hand-in-hand. Cleaner, greener communities not only improve daily life but attract investment, create jobs and foster civic pride.
