Nondumiso Magija’s journey from starting as a horticultural intern at Kirstenbosch to returning to the iconic garden years later in a bigger and bolder role is both inspiring and just goes to show that the places where our roots are planted can one day become the places where we help others grow.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 August 2026) – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has welcomed a new leader in a historic moment for the iconic garden, with Ms Nondumiso Magija returning to the very place where the first seeds of her career were planted.
SANBI is pleased to announce the appointment of Nondumiso as Senior Garden Manager of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
This appointment marks both a historic leadership milestone as she is the first woman to lead Kirstenbosch in the curator role and a deeply meaningful homecoming for Nondumiso herself.
Nearly 20 years ago, Nondumiso began her journey at Kirstenbosch as a horticultural intern, spending two years learning, growing and developing within the Garden before later serving as a horticulturist. That early foundation would go on to shape a career rooted in leadership experience in horticulture, biodiversity conservation, municipal parks, community greening and environmental education.
Now, she returns to the place where her love for nature conservation first took root, this time in a bigger and bolder role, ready to lead, guide and inspire the next chapter of Kirstenbosch.
It has been years of work, growth and leadership in the making. Nondumiso’s career has included management roles at the City of Cape Town, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, and Mogale City Local Municipality. She returned to SANBI in 2021 as Garden Manager of the Free State National Botanical Garden and later served as Garden Manager of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
She holds a Bachelor of Public Administration Honours degree from Stellenbosch University, a Leadership Coaching Certificate from Stellenbosch Business School, a Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Science and a National Diploma in Horticulture from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Her return to Kirstenbosch brings her professional journey full circle, from intern and horticulturist to leading the Garden at a pivotal moment in its history.
“Kirstenbosch has a highly capable and dedicated team, and I look forward to working alongside them to build on the Garden’s extraordinary legacy. Together, we want to shape a vibrant, resilient and forward-looking botanical garden that continues to demonstrate excellence in horticulture, biodiversity conservation, and public engagement,” Nondumiso shares.
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“I also look forward to building strong partnerships with our staff, communities, research institutions, conservation organisations, and other stakeholders. These partnerships will be central to taking Kirstenbosch into its next extraordinary phase and strengthening its role as a place of horticultural excellence, conservation, innovation, and inspiration.”
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The Extraordinary Journey and Emotional Reunion of Yo-Yo the Frenchie!Nondumiso’s appointment represents both continuity and renewal, honouring Kirstenbosch’s extraordinary legacy while positioning the Garden for an ambitious, resilient and impactful future.
Sources: Supplied
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