A former volunteer has claimed that parts of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are being neglected, but the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) has rejected the allegations, saying the site is being actively maintained. 

The garden covers 200 hectares, with cultivated gardens comprising 50 hectares dedicated to curated displays of indigenous South African flora. The remaining 150 hectares form the natural estate, consisting of indigenous forests and fynbos on the lower eastern slopes of Table Mountain. 

 In a post on Facebook, James Deacon, a former volunteer at the gardens, said that when he walked through the nursery, he saw neglect, decay and death. 

“The amazing plant collections that have taken decades and more to establish sit neglected, slowly dying. The Protea collection is less than a third of what it was, and only a fraction of the Ericas remain. One plant has gone from extinct in the wild to completely extinct purely due to a lack of effort to keep it going. Places once full of plants sit empty and, in some cases, full of weeds because the production of plants is so diminished,” he claimed.  

 Previously vibrant 

In an interview, Deacon told Network News the gardens are in a terrible condition. 

“I was a volunteer for 19 years. The garden cannot even produce metal labels with plant names for the beds. Staff morale is at rock bottom, and people are scared to speak out. Kirstenbosch is no longer trusted by many people to grow important species for conservation projects,” he claimed. 

Deacon described the nursery as previously being a vibrant place producing many amazing plants. 

He claims poor management, weak leadership and unworkable procurement policies have led to the deterioration.  

Deacon said he had a meeting with Sanbi after he raised his concerns earlier in the year.  

“I was given some assurances and a lot of excuses.” 

No signs of decay 

Nontsikelelo Mpulo, the spokesperson for Sanbi, said they were aware of the social media posts by Deacon and clarified that his allegations were not new.  

Mpulo explained that Deacon first raised them in a letter to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, in February 2026, after which he was invited to a meeting to engage directly with Sanbi. 
 
“Sanbi does not believe that the garden is showing signs of decay. Maintenance is an ongoing process and areas that require maintenance are systematically being addressed and the necessary resources sourced to ensure the garden operates to local and international expectations and standards,” Mpulo said.  

Staffing challenges 

Mpulo said the large estate requires a substantial team to maintain.

“A number of staff members have retired recently and their positions are in the process of being filled.” 

In addition, she said Sanbi will be appointing many beneficiaries through the department’s Expanded Public Works Programme to support garden maintenance, especially of the living collections and display areas in 2026/27, and extending into 2027/28 to 2028/29.  

“Kirstenbosch will also be receiving tourism monitors in the next few months through funding provided by the National Department of Tourism.” 

She added that Kirstenbosch also hosts interns through the Youth Employment Services programme and benefits from further youth employment through the Botanical Society of South Africa.  

Upgrades 

According to Mpulo, Kirstenbosch has upgraded some of its nursery facilities in recent years, with phase 1 already completed. She said phase 2, scheduled for 2026/27 pending approval from the Sanbi board, will focus on the nurseries’ mechanical aspects, including climate control units and the refurbishment of the conservatory. 

Long-term sustainability 

The Sanbi board approved a financial sustainability strategy for the period 2023/24–2031/32, with the hope of maximising Sanbi’s income-generating potential. Mpulo said that Sanbi is committed to establishing a dedicated Kirstenbosch development campaign around which local and international support will be sought to ensure the continued restoration and long-term financial sustainability of the garden for future generations. 

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