Ackermans, South Africa’s leading value retailer collaborated with Food & Trees for Africa (FTA), in an effort to empower South Africans from every generation. With 1000 indigenous and fruit trees planted in 48 under-resourced schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across KwaZulu-Natal, the Ackermans FTA partnership addresses pressing issues of food security, environmental restoration, and generational empowerment to nurture sustainable livelihoods.
A green foundation for Early Childhood Development
FTA’s tree-planting initiatives are especially impactful for ECD centres, where children are introduced to nature and sustainability from an early age. By providing a variety of fruit-bearing and indigenous trees, Ackermans and FTA are transforming these spaces into thriving ecosystems that nurture young minds.
“These trees will not only beautify our school but serve as vital resources for education and community engagement. Our students are excited to learn more about nature, ecology and the importance of sustainability,” says Principal Mazibuko of Isiqalo Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal.
The planted trees provide nutrition and shade, creating a safe, green space where children can learn and grow. This environmental foundation serves as an early lesson in ecological stewardship and respect for nature, instilling values that learners will carry with them into adulthood.
Ackermans believes that their partnership with FTA invests in both future generations and the planet. By embedding food security and environmental care into early childhood development, Ackermans is confident that the next generation can be empowered to be active contributors to a more sustainable world.
Empowering communities through food security and education
For many of the beneficiary schools, the fruit trees provide an essential source of nutrition, adding fresh produce to school meals and improving food security. The trees also become a foundation for environmental education programmes, with schools encouraged to form eco-clubs and integrate outdoor learning into their curricula. FTA supports these schools with educational resources and guidance, empowering educators to create hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
“Each tree-planting initiative goes beyond environmental impact by building community pride and resilience. FTA’s sustainability criteria ensure that each beneficiary site has the resources needed to care for the trees. As part of the project, communities received training on tree care, creating a network of “tree champions” to lead ongoing efforts in environmental preservation,” says Robyn Hills, Head of Programmes at FTA.
Commitment to lasting change
With Ackermans’ investment, this initiative will sequester approximately 369 tons of CO₂ over the trees’ lifetime, contributing to climate change mitigation. The partnership also demonstrates a powerful commitment to ESG principles, delivering measurable impact through social and environmental investment. The long-term vision is clear: building resilient communities that thrive economically, socially, and environmentally over multiple generations.
“The trees planted today will not only combat environmental degradation but will also nourish communities for years to come,” adds Simone Ruthnam, Carbon Manager at FTA. “Together with Ackermans, we are fostering a sense of community ownership, where individuals of all ages take pride in nurturing their environment.”
