As part of the global celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF) 2025, 100 trees will be planted in Diepsloot Memorial Park on Friday to promote environmental sustainability and urban greening.
This initiative aligns with South Africa’s 10-million trees programme, a national effort to enhance reforestation and green spaces.
The International Day of Forests, observed annually on March 21, was established by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to highlight the importance of forests and trees in sustaining life.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Bernice Swarts, alongside Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, will oversee the tree-planting event.
The trees, donated by the World Resources Institute through the Canada-funded SUNCASA project, include indigenous species suited to Johannesburg’s climate: 20 Harpephyllum caffrum (Marula), 20 Searsia lancea (Rhus Lancea), 20 Olea africana (African Olive), 20 Vachellia xanthophloea (Fever Tree), and 20 Senegalia galpinii (Brown-leafed Scented Thorn)
Johannesburg mayoral spokesperson Chris Vondo stated that these native tree species are well adapted to the local environment and will play a vital role in maintaining the area’s ecological balance by boosting biodiversity, improving carbon absorption, and strengthening the sustainability of urban ecosystems.
The Diepsloot cemetery, established in 2007, embodies Johannesburg City Parks’ vision of “cemeteries for the living,” featuring Afrocentric landscaping and a nature conservation buffer.
