The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
(DEDECT), led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, in partnership with the Department of Forestry,
Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Municipalities, Traditional Authorities, and
Environmental Clubs, has embarked on a massive tree-planting programme across the
province during the National Heritage Day 2025.
Targeting schools, clinics, and churches in all districts, the initiative forms part of the
Presidential 10 Million Trees Programme, a five-year project launched in 2021 to promote
climate action. It is also integrated with other government initiatives such as Thuntsha Lerole,
Heritage Day, and Arbour Month – ensuring that the tree planting programme is being
intensified and that the communities across the North West are being mobilised to participate
to promote Green Legacy for a sustainable future.
As custodian of the environment in the province, MEC Lenkopane officially launched the North
West One Million Trees Campaign in Mahikeng under the theme: “My Tree, My Oxygen –
Plant Yours” in Mahikeng. The provincial target is set at 115,000 trees by March 2026, to be
rolled out in phases.
To mark both Heritage Day and the province’s commitment to sustainability during this
programme in Mahikeng, MEC Lenkopane, joined by the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local
Municipality, Councillor Tshepiso Mphehlo, planted trees at the Mahikeng Nursery,
Lomanyaneng Primary, Senkgwe Primary, and Lotlamoreng Primary Schools. During these
visits, the MEC and Mayor encouraged learners to protect the environment while staying
rooted in their cultural heritage.
MEC Lenkopane further called on municipalities, schools, traditional authorities, businesses,
and community members to plant trees in public parks, libraries, religious institutions,
municipal offices, gardens, and other spaces, to contribute to the ambitious provincial target
and create a greener North West.
The campaign has also extended to municipalities in Madibeng, Tswaing, Moses Kotane,
Moretele, Rustenburg, City of Matlosana, JB Marks, Maquassi Hills, Greater Taung, Naledi,
Mamusa, Kagisano Molopo, and Lekwa Teemane. Here, DEDECT Environmental Services
officials, alongside representatives from DFFE, municipalities, NWPTB, and traditional
authorities, offered practical demonstrations on water-saving planting techniques and tree
care, empowering learners and community members to sustain the initiative.
The One Million Trees Campaign is more than a planting drive – it is a symbol of unity, climate
action, and heritage preservation. It reaffirms the North West Province’s commitment to
placing environmental sustainability at the heart of development while leaving a lasting green
legacy for generations to come.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services (072 333 0325)
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect