In most cases, volunteers make spaces flourish. For the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, this couldn’t be more true! Recently, volunteers were offered a blooming tribute for their tireless efforts as the unsung heroes of the garden.
Cape Town, South Africa (29 January 2025) — In a heartwarming celebration of community and commitment, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offered a blooming tribute to the unsung heroes of the garden—its volunteers.
On International Volunteer Day, the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) helped organise a day for the volunteers, honouring their tireless efforts and indispensable role in safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage.
From leading guided tours and propagating endangered plants to hosting flower shows and inspiring environmental education, these passionate individuals embody the spirit of ubuntu and have each set down roots in conservation that has and will continue to span generations.
Horticulturist Mashudu Nndanduleni put it beautifully:
“Volunteers bring more than their time – they bring heart, knowledge, and a unique spirit of ubuntu. Their work exemplifies the power of collaboration and community, showing that together, we can achieve incredible things for our environment.”
This year’s celebration brought together volunteers from BotSoc’s Kirstenbosch, Weskus, Winelands, and Kogelberg branches, along with SANBI staff and partner organisations like the Cape Bird Club.
The day kicked off with guided garden tours, where volunteer guides shared their wealth of knowledge about Kirstenbosch’s unique flora and the people whose efforts shaped it.
A poignant moment came during a minute of silence at the real yellowwood tree (Podocarpus latifolius). This tree was planted in memory of SANBI and BotSoc staff who passed away while in service and stands proudly as a tangible expression of their legacy.
The day also saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring the late Dot Malan, a volunteer who devoted 38 years to BotSoc! Her contributions to Kirstenbosch, from educational tours to fundraising, continue to inspire.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of conservation efforts, and their dedication ensures the survival of our unique biodiversity. Every guided tour they lead and every rare plant they propagate helps secure the future of South Africa’s natural heritage. Their commitment inspires us all to do more for our environment and the generations that follow,” said Antonia Debarros, CEO of, BotSoc.
Mashudu Nndanduleni, speaking on behalf of SANBI, echoed the sentiment, adding:
“The passion and perseverance of our volunteers embody the very essence of International Volunteer Day. They remind us that meaningful change starts with individuals who give their time selflessly. Their contributions have a ripple effect, fostering awareness, education, and collective action within our communities.”
As Werner Voigt, Curator of Kirstenbosch, highlighted in bold, volunteers play a critical role in achieving shared goals of conservation—something all South Africans benefit from.
The atmosphere of the day is said to have been one of gratitude and camaraderie, underscoring the importance of volunteerism in conserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
For those inspired to make a difference, BotSoc and SANBI invite plant lovers and conservation-minded members of the public to join their volunteer community and play an active role in protecting the country’s unique flora and fauna.
Those looking to get involved or to find out more information can email info@botanicalsociety.org.za and n.peter@sanbi.org.za
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