Kirstenbosch denies accusation

A ministerial inspection of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Wednesday 10 June found that claims of widespread mismanagement are not completely accurate.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

However, the volunteer who sparked the public outcry has rejected that conclusion, saying the issues he raised are real. (“Claims of neglect at Kirstenbosch spark Sanbi controversy”, People’s Post, 28 May).

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp led the visit, joined by Prof Eugene Moll, a renowned plant ecologist and former University of Cape Town professor, and South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) chief executive Shonisani Munzhedzi.

The visit followed a public outcry after James Deacon, a naturalist with almost two decades of involvement at the garden, launched a social media campaign calling for improvements.

CAMPAIGN REIGNITED

Deacon filed formal complaints in February this year.

SANBI met him at Kirstenbosch on Monday 23 February at the minister's request. Following that meeting, SANBI said it considered the matter resolved.

However, shortly after someone Deacon describes as a friend lost his job at Sanbi, he reignited the allegations online in May, prompting the minister to conduct a site visit.

In a media statement issued after the visit, the minister's linked the timing of Deacon's renewed campaign directly to that dismissal.