Former Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo was honoured at the AFUF2025 Gala dinner for his pioneering contributions to the City’s urban greening efforts. A driving force behind the celebrated “Greening Soweto Legacy Project”, Masondo’s vision not only reshaped the City’s landscape but also cultivated social and environmental transformation.
Masondo, who served as mayor from 2000 to 2011, oversaw the planting of over 200,000 trees across Soweto. These green initiatives rejuvenated neglected areas, turning once barren expanses into verdant parks and recreational spaces. Speaking at the event, Masondo reflected on the project’s broader significance: “The Greening Soweto initiative was never just about planting trees, it was about restoring dignity, creating sustainable spaces, and promoting a sense of belonging.”
Beyond aesthetic improvements, Masondo’s efforts brought tangible economic and social benefits. Green spaces provided shade, improved air quality, and promoted biodiversity in the City’s rapidly growing urban environment. The initiative also created employment opportunities, particularly through tree-planting and skills development programmes for local residents.
“It was about ensuring that every child in Soweto grows up with access to nature, fresh air, and a green environment,” Masondo added.
The former mayor’s legacy also embodied a deeper commitment to equity. By prioritising underserved areas, Masondo ensured that the benefits of urban greening were accessible to all residents, not just the affluent. This focus on social inclusivity, alongside environmental sustainability, set a precedent for future urban development initiatives across the City and beyond.
In presenting Masondo with the AFUF2025 award, Johannesburg’s MMC for Community Development, Cllr Tebogo Nkokou, praised the former mayor’s vision. “His work has not only transformed Johannesburg’s landscape but has instilled a deep appreciation for sustainable urban development,” Nkokou said.
“Masondo’s leadership shows how a commitment to people and the environment can yield lasting, positive change.”
Thenjiwe Mjoli, Chairperson of the Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo Board, added that Masondo’s legacy continues to inspire cities globally. “His vision for Johannesburg wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about planting hope, resilience, and a shared commitment to a healthier planet,” Mjoli remarked.
The forum also posthumously recognised Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai for her groundbreaking work through the Green Belt Movement. Maathai’s initiative, which led to the planting of over 51 million trees in Kenya and beyond, is a powerful example of the intersection of environmentalism, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Mjoli said Masondo and Maathai’s legacies stand as enduring symbols of visionary leadership; “a reminder that sustainable urban development is not only a matter of green spaces but a testament to the broader values of social justice and resilience”.
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