City Parks and Zoo calls on Joburg to grow a greener future

Johannesburg needs more trees and everyone can help grow the future. Under the 2026 Arbor Month theme, “My Tree, My Oxygen – Plant Yours Today", Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is encouraging residents, businesses, schools, universities, property owners and community organisations to plant trees and grow food.

Residents are urged to make tree planting part of life's milestones by planting a tree to celebrate a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, birth of a child, new home or business, or as a living memorial to someone special.

Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, climate variability, water stress, illegal tree felling, fires, pests and habitat loss are placing increasing pressure on Johannesburg's urban forest. Protecting mature trees while planting the next generation is therefore essential.

JCPZ is also encouraging appropriate indigenous and fruit trees, as well as household food gardens. Trees provide shade, support biodiversity, improve soil health and help create cooler environments, while fruit trees and food gardens can contribute to household food resilience.

JCPZ Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew said protecting and expanding the urban forest must become a collective responsibility. “Johannesburg's trees are not nice-to-have decoration; they are living, lifesaving, critical infrastructure."

As part of Arbor Month, JCPZ and its partners will host an activation at Moletsane Park in Moliwa Street, Moletsane, Soweto, on 8 September 2026. The initiative will distribute 2 000 trees and 200 Spekboom plants, alongside indigenous tree planting, environmental exhibitions and learner engagement.

26/08/2026

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