South African non-profit · Food security
We donate fruit trees to townships, schools and parks — then teach communities how to care for them — so families can pick fresh food from their own streets.
Sihlanyela. Kuyakhula. Niyondla. · Ons plant. Dit groei. Jy voed.
Tap a fruit to see why we plant it.
Who we are
Plant Mzansi is a South African non-profit dedicated to planting fruit trees in townships, schools and parks to fight hunger and food insecurity. By growing apples, oranges, peaches and avocados, we give communities direct access to fresh fruit, promote self-sufficiency, and encourage care for the environment.
We do not expect anything in return except a commitment to nurture the trees. That simple promise turns a donated sapling into a living food source — and a shared responsibility for the land.
We are based in Roodepoort, Gauteng, and work with municipalities, schools and households. If you are unsure whether we plant in your area, write to us — we will tell you honestly.
Mission
Our mission is twofold: to plant fruit-bearing trees throughout townships so communities have access to nutritious food, and to educate locals in how to plant and care for those trees — fostering stewardship of the environment.
Vision
We envision communities with lasting access to fresh fruit, less hunger, and a culture of environmental care — where people actively nurture trees and help grow a greener, healthier South Africa.
What we do
Every donation funds trees, training and the long game of food security — not a once-off giveaway.
We provide fruit trees to communities, schools and parks at no cost, so nutritious food is planted where people already live and learn.
We teach people how to plant, water, prune and protect trees — practical skills that keep the harvest coming year after year.
Apples, oranges, peaches and avocados become long-term food sources that help combat hunger in township communities.
Planting and maintaining trees helps communities understand their impact and contribute to a greener, healthier South Africa.
How it works
Plant Mzansi donates fruit trees at no cost. In return we ask only for a commitment to nurture them so they grow strong and productive. That is how food security becomes a community practice, not a charity parcel.
Schools, municipalities and households with space join the initiative.
Fruit trees are donated and planted with hands-on guidance.
Locals learn to care for the trees until they bear fruit for the community.
A tree’s life
This is the work, in four pictures. No drop-off. A promise that has to be kept.
Our experts
The people who plant, teach and keep the trees alive.
With over 15 years of experience, John leads the design work, shaping planting spaces that communities can grow and harvest from.
Titi’s expertise in plant care helps trees take root and stay healthy — from nursery to township street.
Thibos oversees care after planting day, so orchards stay in good condition and keep feeding families.
Care for your tree
We teach this on the ground. Keep this page handy for watering, frost and the first years of growth.
Choose a sunny spot with space for roots and canopy. Dig a hole wider than the bag, loosen the sides, and water in well on the day you plant.
A slow, deep soak beats a daily sprinkle. Mulch around the base — not against the stem — to hold moisture through dry Highveld weeks.
Guard against frost, wind, goats and stray soccer balls. A simple stake and wrap in the first winters can save the tree.
Most fruit trees need a few seasons before a full crop. Prune lightly, watch for pests, and share the first harvest with the street that kept it alive.
Tap a season. We highlight the current one for Gauteng.
Choose a season to see what the tree needs now.
Your tree
Answer three questions. We will suggest an apple, orange, peach or avocado — then you can ask us for a tree.
Where we plant
Our office is in Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort. The work happens in townships, on school grounds and in parks. Tell us your area — we will say honestly whether we can plant there now.
The orange pin is home base. The rest of the country is an invitation — write to us.
On the ground
Open a photo to see it larger. These are the trees and harvests the work is for.
Get involved
Choose how you want to help. We will take you to the right next step.
Share on WhatsAppAs a non-governmental, non-profit organisation we rely on donors and entrepreneurs who fund planting and maintenance in townships.
Make a donation →Partner with us to plant on school grounds, parks and public land — and bring learners into the care of the trees.
Request a partnership →If you have yard space, you can plant a donated fruit tree and commit to looking after it for your street.
Ask for a tree →Join a planting day, help with training, or share the word in your network. Extra hands make the orchard grow.
Offer your time →Donate
Donations pay for trees, planting days and the education that keeps them alive. Request our banking details on WhatsApp or email — we send them personally so we can thank you and allocate the gift.
FAQ
No. Trees are donated at no cost. We ask only for a genuine commitment to water, protect and care for them so they can bear fruit.
We focus on apples, oranges, peaches and avocados — trees that can become a lasting food source where people live, learn and gather.
Yes. We plant on school grounds, parks and public land, and we involve learners in the care of the trees. Use Get involved and choose “Partner as a school or municipality”.
If you have yard space and will look after the tree for your street, you can ask for a donated fruit tree. Tell us your area and how much sun and space you have.
We are based in Roodepoort, Gauteng, and work in townships, schools and parks. Contact us with your location and we will tell you whether we can help now or add you to a future planting.
Request banking details on WhatsApp or email. We share them on request so we can thank you and put the gift toward trees and training.
Most fruit trees need a few seasons before a full harvest. That is why the care training matters as much as the planting day.
Contact
WhatsApp is usually the fastest way to reach us. The form also opens a ready-to-send message in WhatsApp or your email app.
