Executive Mayor Lucky Sele, joined by MMC for Infrastructure Development Peter Modise and MMC for Integrated Environment Management Xolile Mkruquli, planted more than 80 trees at Mogorosi Park in Kagiso this morning to officially launch Arbor Month. The initiative not only beautifies the area but also creates shade and improves air quality, a legacy described as “a treasure for generations to come.”
The launch, held under the theme “Plant Trees, Breathe Easy”, forms part of the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s One Million Tree Planting Programme, which aims to plant a million trees across Gauteng by 24 September 2025. Mogale City has been allocated 7,600 trees to plant across the municipality as part of this drive.
Trees are vital to the environment, reducing air pollution, absorbing carbon dioxide, preventing soil erosion, and conserving water, while also providing shade and improving quality of life. For Mogorosi Park, a key recreational space in Ward 11, the planting marks a transformation. Once a park without shade, it now offers greener, more inviting spaces for children and families to enjoy.
Mayor Sele emphasised the broader significance of the initiative, stating “This allocation is not just about statistics; it is a bold commitment to ensure that communities of Mogale City have access to cleaner air, greener spaces, and a healthier environment.” He further encouraged residents to care for the park and nurture the newly planted trees so that future generations can enjoy their benefits.
The event was supported by key stakeholders including PETCO, E-WASA and UNICA who continue to collaborate with Mogale City to advance environmental sustainability.
Trees planted during the launch included Combretum erythrophyllum and Searsia lancea, both known for their shade and greenery. In addition, 20 peach trees were handed over to local households, encouraging fruit tree planting in family yards.
Mogale City will continue its Arbor Month activities with a series of tree-planting campaigns across the municipality. Community members are encouraged to join these initiatives and play an active role in greening their neighbourhoods as scheduled below:
Greening Public Spaces
Theme: Revitalising Parks and Open Areas
Lead: Parks and Open Spaces Subdivision
| Date | Location | Activity | Time |
| 01/09/2025 | Krugersdorp CBD Park | Planting indigenous shade trees, pruning & landscaping | 09:00 – 13:00 |
| 03/09/2025 | Munsieville Park | Litter pick-up and tree mulching drive | 09:00 – 13:00 |
| 04/09/2025 | Rietvlei Community Fields | Planting a lawn and indigenous trees | 09:00 – 13:00 |
| 05/09/2025 | Magaliesburg Town Square | Installation of waste bins and greening | 09:00 – 13:00 |
School-Based Greening & Awareness Campaigns
Theme: Environmental Education and Youth Involvement
Lead: Environmental Management Division
| Date | Location | Activity | Time |
| 01/09/2025 | Umfolozi & Umkhomazi Open Space | Arbor Month Launch and Tree planting with the Community | 09:00 – 12:00 |
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19/09/2025 |
Portion 26 Kromdraai, Volleyball Centre Kromdraai and Matla Combined School | Arbor Month Celebration in Partnership with West Rand District Municipality, Cradle of Humankind, GDEnv and Santam | 09:00 – 12:00 |
| 25/09/2025 | Munsieville Extension 9 | Benefits of Trees Talk and Planting of Trees with the Community | 9:00 – 12:00 |