Pretoria: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is piloting an initiative to plant trees around wastewater treatment plants across the country to help mitigate odours generated by treatment processes and protect surrounding communities and the environment. 'The Wastewater treatment plants are essential for protecting public health and water resources; however, they are often associated with persistent odour emissions that negatively affect surrounding communities,' Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Monday in Pretoria.
According to South African Government News Agency, the initiative will begin at the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), which operates 19 wastewater treatment works. Swarts highlighted that odours generated from processes such as sludge handling, anaerobic decomposition, and chemical reactions continue to present environmental and social challenges for nearby communities. These odours can lead to community discomfort, complaints, and reputational risks, especially in densely populated areas within the City of Ekurhuleni. Inadequate odour mitigation measures may weaken public trust and reduce the perceived acceptability of wastewater infrastructure.
Swarts emphasized the importance of developing green spaces through tree planting in and around wastewater treatment plants, which offer buffers between communities and contribute to the general wellness of the environment. The Deputy Minister was addressing the launch of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, which seeks to mobilize South Africans from all sectors to plant trees as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The launch follows the success of the 2025 One Million Trees Campaign, during which over 1.3 million trees were planted across the country on Heritage Day in September 2025. The planting of trees in residential settlements, recreational facilities, parks, and open spaces is identified as a critical environmental management intervention to address climate change effects. Swarts underscored that greening is not only an environmental responsibility but also a social and economic necessity.
She mentioned that climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity continue to confront the country. These challenges affect everyone, but they weigh most heavily on the poor and vulnerable. Biodiversity loss disproportionately affects the country's poorest people, especially in rural areas, who depend directly on natural ecosystems for survival.
Swarts announced plans to plant 10 million trees across the country on Heritage Day this year, working together with all South Africans. 'These trees will be planted in safe spaces such as schools, community parks, health facilities, and residential spaces. It is the President's call that all South Africans participate in this programme by planting trees on Heritage Day,' she said.
The Deputy Minister called on all South Africans, including government, business, labour, civil society, and citizens, to participate in the campaign to plant Ten Million Trees on Heritage Day in September 2026 as part of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme. She noted that properties greened with trees and plants have seen increased property values, ensuring municipalities can collect more rates, enabling improved service delivery.
Swarts explained that municipal participation will enhance planning, enabling the identification of projects that can mitigate climate change, such as repurposing dumping sites into parks. Trees often bear pollution burdens, especially in densely populated and industrialized areas. Greening is therefore linked to spatial justice in a South Africa where the under-development of lower-income communities is rooted in historical segregation.
'Let us once again come together in the spirit of shared responsibility and common purpose. Let us plant not only trees, but the seeds of hope, dignity, and lasting change in every community across our nation,' Swarts said. -SAnews.gov.za