In celebration of Arbor week and as a joint effort to drive sustainability and community upliftment, FNB partnered with Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) to plant 75 indigenous and fruit-bearing trees at the Basheshebahleka Community Project in Cosmo City, Johannesburg.
This year’s Arbor Day initiative carries special significance as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, with sustainability as one of its central themes. The tree-planting campaign not only contributes to environmental restoration but also reinforces national efforts toward food security and long-term socio-economic upliftment.
Arbor Day serves as a timely reminder of the vital role trees play in combating climate change and enhancing urban resilience, values that are deeply aligned with FNB’s ESG priorities and South Africa’s global leadership in sustainable development.
The initiative, funded through FNB’s sustainability and ESG solutions, will offset approximately 43.35 metric tons of CO₂e, the equivalent of the annual emissions from approximately 5.4 South African households. Each tree absorbs about 578 kg of CO₂ over its 40-year lifespan, making a lasting contribution to climate resilience. Beyond the environmental impact, the trees will strengthen local food security, provide shade, and create greener spaces for the community.
Varsity Cup and Classic Clashes rugby players from FNB-sponsored universities also took part in the planting, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to developing young leaders while advancing sustainability.
Kival Singh, Head of FNB Sustainability & ESG Solutions said, “This is more than just a tree planting initiative, it’s about creating cleaner air, stronger food systems, and healthier communities. Each tree represents a small but important step toward lasting change, showing how collective action can transform lives.”
“Central to FNB’s approach is education that leads to action. The bank’s Carbon Coach feature, available via the FNB App under nav»Earth, is a good example of this practical education in action. Singh added”
In an era where climate change is firmly on the global agenda, FNB has made the nav» Earth feature available on the FNB App to help millions of its customers to improve sustainable living by understanding the impact of their carbon emissions on the environment and ways to reduce it.
In addition, nav» Earth offers access to education through a ‘Carbon Coach’, helping customers understand their own carbon emissions based off their spending behaviour. This solution also offers customers the opportunity to donate trees and support other different sustainability causes, using cash or eBucks to improve their carbon emissions score.
For FTFA, the collaboration highlights the long-term impact of corporate partnerships. Monique Smith, FTFA Trees and Carbon Coordinator, added “Our work with FNB shows what’s possible when business and community come together. These trees will provide shade, food, and environmental benefits for years to come”.
FTFA facilitators also led educational sessions on tree care, ensuring the community can nurture the new growth well into the future. The involvement of varsity cup and classic clashes rugby players added a symbolic layer, linking FNB’s investment in youth talent and leadership from grassroots to greatness with its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Through this initiative, we’ll have newly planted trees that will stand as living markers of renewal, nearly 43.35 of carbon offset, enriched green spaces, and a stronger foundation for a sustainable future.
“By partnering with South Africans to help them take control of their carbon footprint by planting trees, we’re investing in the future of every family, business and community – and our country as a whole,” he points out.” “The journey to carbon reduction stars with one step – and FNB is committed to walk it with every South African.”
Apiwe Mjambane
Soweto Sunrise News
