Vodacom Lesotho’s tree-planting programme is much more than an environmental initiative; it’s a vivid demonstration of Vodacom’s broader purpose of connecting for a better future by protecting the planet.

Within Vodacom Group, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s deeply ingrained in how we operate. As part of our planet pillar, Vodacom Lesotho’s tree-planting programme is restoring degraded landscapes, combating climate change, and inspiring communities to become environmental stewards.

Trees act as natural air-conditioners, cooling both the ground and the air by providing shade and releasing water vapour through their leaves. This process also helps trap moisture in the soil, boosting its fertility and vitality.

More than that, their roots play a critical role in stabilising the soil, preventing erosion and even landslides. As they grow, trees create habitats, enabling small animals, birds and insects to return or even relocate from urban spaces. They’re truly vital to sustaining life and a healthier planet.

A step-by-step journey towards one million trees

Every great movement starts with its first step, and for Vodacom Lesotho’s tree-planting programme, that step was taken in August 2021. Partnering with Limomonane Trust, 5 000 trees were planted in Ha-Raliemere forest areas, including the local primary school, along with Limomonane orchards in Mafeteng. This marked the beginning of a long-term vision: planting one million trees nationwide to address soil erosion, enhance biodiversity and mitigate land degradation in Lesotho.

Did you know?

One million mature trees can absorb about 26 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year – the equivalent of the carbon emissions of about 5 600 cars, according to Treeapp. One tree can produce nearly 118kg of oxygen per year. On average, two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four, which means one million trees can help provide clean oxygen for 500 000 families.

21 March 2022 was another landmark date as Vodacom Lesotho celebrated National Tree Planting Day, coinciding with the International Day of Forests. The team planted 5 000 indigenous trees at Thaba Bosiu, showcasing our commitment to combating climate change and fostering a greener future for the nation.

In August 2022, these efforts continued with fresh momentum at Green Fest, supported by Vodacom Lesotho.

At Green Fest 2022, trees were planted at Motsekuoa High School and Ha-Raliemere farm, reaffirming our dedication to integrating sustainability into education and rural development projects.

Fast-forward to December 2023, when Vodacom Lesotho expanded its efforts significantly. By planting an astonishing 12 500 trees across six acres in Ha-Ntsi, Masapong village, and Masowe suburb in Maseru, the programme had planted a total of 48 000 trees since 2022.

Through collaboration with local communities, NGOs, schools and government entities, the initiative will continue to flourish.

Clearly, the programme is about more than just trees. As Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, put it: tree planting serves as a powerful tool in rallying the nation together to restore and safeguard the environment, promoting environmental renewal. This sentiment aligns with Vodacom Lesotho’s belief that everyone has a role to play in conservation.

Becoming greener, together

Vodacom Group partners with various organisations to protect biodiversity on land and at sea. This support combines programme funding, connectivity and innovative technology solutions for conservation efforts.

In addition to Vodacom Lesotho’s tree-planting programme, some of our most recent biodiversity projects also include:

  • Protecting the South African marine ecosystem in partnership with WWF
  • Reforestation with the WWF in Tanzania
  • Partnership with Africa Moto to distribute clean cooking solutions in DRC

Empowering communities through partnerships

In partnership with Vodacom Lesotho, schools like Raliemere Primary and Motsekuoa High School hosted events that featured both tree planting and innovative coding lessons for students, intersecting the Empowering people and Protecting the planet pillars of Vodacom’s purpose.

Through collaborations with Limomonane Trust, women and youth received training in conservation agriculture and food processing, directly addressing socio-economic challenges while advancing sustainability practices. Furthermore, marginalised groups were empowered through job opportunities created through these initiatives.

A call to action: growing our legacy together

Imagine the legacy we can leave for future generations. Each tree planted by Vodacom Lesotho is a testament to what’s possible when we come together with shared purpose – and there’s so much more we can do. We each have the chance to play a role in driving sustainability initiatives in our own markets, joining forces with local communities and pushing boundaries.

When we say “Further Together”, we mean it. Let’s take Vodacom Lesotho’s story as inspiration to deepen our engagement with environmental issues, support our local programmes, and innovate solutions that connect us for a better, greener future.