The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has contested a visitor’s claims that Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is in a state of neglect.
His observations of neglect, including dried-out plant beds, litter and unkempt lawns, contrast sharply with SANBI’s assurances of the garden’s well-maintained condition.
As per the Weekend Argus, the visitor’s description paints a picture of deterioration. His account included sightings of cigarette butts, plastic bottles and general disarray, leading him to label the gardens as ‘bordering on derelict.’
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In response, Nontsikelelo Mpulo, SANBI’s director of marketing, communication and commercialisation, expressed confusion over the man’s claims.
Mpulo noted the consistent efforts of the garden’s workers in maintaining its beauty and stated that the referred areas are naturally overgrown in appearance and are intended to remain so.
She also mentioned the recent success of a series of concerts held at Kirstenbosch, which received no such complaints.
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This dispute arises amid ongoing political debates linked to a revised agreement between SANBI and the Botanical Society of SA (BotSoc).
The revision has resulted in BotSoc members losing their century-long privilege of free access to national botanical gardens.
Antonia de Barros, BotSoc’s General Manager, voiced disappointment but emphasised the continued collaboration with SANBI in plant conservation efforts.
‘BotSoc will have to continue working very hard at ensuring that our members are aware of the important role that their membership fees play in making the conservation work possible across the BotSoc conservation programmes. This will not come to an end,’ she said.
Despite the man’s assertions of neglect, numerous visitor posts and photos on social media depict Kirstenbosch in a pristine state.
This positive public perception was recently echoed by the garden’s accolade as the best botanical garden in Africa by the World Luxury Travel Awards.
Both Mpulo and De Barros have refuted any suggestion that budget constraints or revenue losses have impacted Kirstenbosch’s upkeep.
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Also read:
Kirstenbosch Garden named the best botanical garden in Africa
Picture: Joshua Kettle / Unsplash
