Art Auction for Fynbos HERO Battling Cancer

Photo Credit: FynbosLIFE

An art auction in March will support one of Cape Town’s most respected fynbos conservationists, who is currently facing a difficult battle with cancer.

Cape Town, South Africa (15 February 2026) – Dr Caitlin von Witt has played a huge role in how the Western Cape understands and restores its natural heritage.

A botanical ecologist, founder of Muizenberg-based NPO FynbosLIFE and long-time advocate for indigenous restoration, Caitlin has spent most of her life fiercely protecting the Cape Floristic Region, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Her work has helped rehabilitate landscapes threatened by urbanisation, inspired communities to plant indigenous gardens, and even contributed to the declaration of the Moutonshoek Protected Environment after she uncovered an endangered plant species new to science. She considers that discovery her proudest moment, protecting a spectacular natural area from mining.

An endangered species, Diascia caitliniae, has even been named in her honour.

Caitlin’s love for fynbos was handed down from her mom, Jane, a long-time environmental educator and volunteer garden guide at Kirstenbosch, who first nurtured that passion. Through FynbosLIFE, Caitlin now carries that same legacy, promoting rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of Fynbos across the region.

Sadly, at just 45 years old, Caitlin was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and Serrated Polyposis Syndrome.

Since then, she has endured months of chemotherapy and nine surgeries, including major procedures affecting her colon, liver and lungs. She has been strong, but faces ongoing treatment and the difficult reality of a genetic mutation known as BRAFV600E.

A specialised personalised peptide vaccine trial in Germany now offers a real chance for her, but the cost is approximately €85,000 (around R1.7 million) and far beyond what Dr Caitlin can manage alone.

So the community she works alongside has stepped up to help her.

On Tuesday, 24 March 2026, the Nassau Auditorium at Groote Schuur High School in Newlands will host a fynbos and botanical art auction in Caitlin’s honour. The event will be hosted by comedian Nik Rabinowitz, celebrating art and community in a mission to raise the necessary funds needed for Dr Caitlin’s treatment.

More than 50 artists have committed to donating work, including renowned South African and UK artists, with several contributors linked to the Grootbos Florilegium. The calibre and diversity of the pieces promise a truly special catalogue.

Tickets are R50, which includes a glass of wine and a raffle entry. Every cent goes directly toward funding Caitlin’s vaccine.

If you’d like to attend, you can RSVP via this link.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched in October last year and has already raised R667,080, which covers 39% of the R1.7 million goal, including R403,000 in offline donations generously given by Caitlin’s loving parents, Bob and Jane von Witt, as well as close supporters. If you’re unable to attend the auction, the campaign is still open, and every contribution helps.