City Parks breaks record, plants 3 000 trees along Winnie Mandela Drive in an hour
From Fourways to Diepsloot, the 10km stretch of Winnie Mandela Drive now looks greener than ever, and it is all thanks to a major City Parks tree-planting drive that turned planning into action and left everyone smiling.
The stretch of Winnie Mandela Drive between Fourways and Diepsloot has a fresh new look – greener, cooler, and full of life, after Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) planted 3 000 trees in just one hour as part of a large-scale urban greening drive.
The event formed part of the city’s broader commitment to sustainability and urban renewal ahead of the G20 Summit, which Johannesburg will host for the first time in Africa.
Read more: Fourways blooms as 3 000 new trees are planted along Winnie Mandela Drive
Representing the Executive Mayor Dada Morero, Sithembiso Zungu said the city was proud to lead by example as it prepared to welcome world leaders in 2025.
“We embark on this journey to plant 1 000 trees across our city. The G20 Summit is more than a gathering of nations; it’s a platform for shaping the future of our world. Johannesburg has chosen to prepare for this moment not only with infrastructure, but with a vision rooted in sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
He added that Johannesburg was home to one of the largest human-made urban forests in the world, a living testament to its identity as a clean and green African cultural capital.
Also read: Mandela Day tree planting initiative ends in tension over illegal tree felling
“By planting trees, we are planting opportunities for cleaner air, cooler streets and stronger communities,” he said.
Ward 94 councillor David Foley praised City Parks and residents for their hands-on involvement.
“Everyone came out, homeowners’ associations, estates, private residents. It was amazing to see that kind of spirit.”
He added that the greening work, alongside ongoing clean-ups and added security along the route, was transforming the ward.
“The people here really care. Look at this park, it was once derelict, and now the ducks and birds are coming back. This is what all wards should aspire to.”
JCPZ’s executive manager for operations, David Maluleke, described the initiative as a benchmark for collaboration and climate action.
“We’re planting indigenous trees to increase the green canopy and tackle climate change. This is about bringing energy back to our communities and showing that together, as South Africans, we can do more.”
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