The former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, did a walkabout at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden on Sunday, June 15. He was welcomed by the Mpumalanga government’s acting director-general, Peter Nyoni.

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According to the Office of the Premier, he was in Mbombela attending a graduation ceremony at Unisa on Saturday, and visited the Lowveld National Botanical Garden on Sunday.

Mbeki has described the Garden as a very important place. He said it is exciting to see what is happening there and not only the preservation of all the plants.

“I think the people who work here have done a good job. They have given access to the public to come here for concerts, to come to the restaurant and to enjoy the Garden.”

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He said he learnt a lot during his visit. “The fact that people outside of South Africa have noticed this place, says a lot about its importance,” Mbeki said.