Celebrating Arbor Month 2025 with MTO
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3
Partnering for Arbor Month 2025
This Arbor Month, MTO partnered with the Department of Correctional Services – Community Corrections Division (George) to celebrate at Sandanezwe Pre-School in Thembalethu.
Children learned about the importance of trees in society during an interactive session. Their ideas and answers brought the conversation to life. To close the day, our team joined them in planting fruit trees and transplanting vegetables into the school garden. This hands-on activity nurtured awareness of conservation and food sustainability.
We also continued our commitment to children’s wellbeing at the Millennium Home of Hope in White River. We donated fruit and shade trees that will provide nourishment and comfort under the Lowveld sun.
Building Sustainable Communities
Sustainability means more than just trees. It’s about ensuring food security, empowering communities, and creating opportunities.
Through community backyard gardens, families are harvesting vegetables that make their way onto dinner tables. This ensures no child goes to bed hungry.
The Siyatiphilisa Groundnut Project launched its own peanut butter. Now, 122 women benefit from access to 37 hectares of land. This initiative creates jobs, supports food security, and empowers women-led communities.
The Importance of Community Engagement
Engaging with the community is vital for fostering a sense of belonging. MTO believes that when communities come together, they can achieve remarkable things.
Our partnerships with local organizations help us understand the unique needs of each community. By collaborating, we can create tailored solutions that address specific challenges.
Stewardship of the Forests
During FSC Week, MTO joined the global call to “Do one thing for the forests.” Alongside our forestry operations, more than 40% of our land is set aside for conservation. This includes indigenous forests, wetlands, and fynbos.
We continue to:
Protect 39 Red Data species through habitat management.
Safeguard riparian zones and wetlands through water stewardship.
Restore balance with ecological practices like alien species removal and controlled burning.
Preserve 38 sites of cultural, historical, and archaeological significance.
Learn more about our research and conservation efforts:
Culture and Heritage
On Heritage Day, MTO honoured the people at the heart of our business. Across our value chain, we celebrated the cultures, traditions, and shared stories that strengthen our teams. These elements create spaces where belonging and inclusion thrive.
Our sales team came together to align on how we deliver the right solutions for our customers. When our team is connected, our customers feel it.
From planting trees in our communities to celebrating our heritage, September was a month that showcased the heart of MTO. We are committed to creating exceptional experiences through people, products, and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, MTO remains dedicated to its mission. We will continue to engage with communities, promote sustainability, and celebrate our heritage. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Join Us in Our Journey
We invite everyone to join us in our journey towards a sustainable future. Whether through volunteering, supporting local initiatives, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. Together, we can make a difference.
In conclusion, Arbor Month is not just a time for planting trees. It is a reminder of our responsibility to nurture our environment and support our communities. Let’s continue to work together for a sustainable future.
