New child-friendly corner unveiled at Pretoria Botanical Garden

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George unveiled the new Children’s Edutainment Garden on December 10 at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden ahead of the festive season.

The R1.9-million project funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Green Open Space Management programme underscores the department’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable use of the country’s environmental resources.

“The Children’s Edutainment Garden stands as evidence of a deliberate choice to equip the next generation with knowledge. In the second phase, we will include elements that teach biodiversity in a direct, hands-on manner. We believe that even early steps in understanding living systems help shape informed minds that respect free exchange, prudent stewardship, and independent thought,” said George.

He told Rekord he was born in Durban but grew up in Vanderbijlpark “when the town and the Vaal River were much cleaner and we could grow up and play in the great outdoors”.

George believes every early step in nature helps to shape the minds of children towards prudent stewardship of nature.

“I hope this garden can lead to discovery and careful exploration for the children visiting the Edutainment Garden. We have such a great outdoors culture and such a beautiful country, we must teach children to embrace it,” said George.

Prof Edward Nesamvuni, chairperson of the Board of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi), said the Edutainment Garden is more than just a playground, but serves as a unique educational resource for foundation-phase teachers and learners.

“The Children’s Edutainment Garden offers an ideal setting for teaching and learning in an engaging, nature-filled environment,” said Nesamvuni.

He pointed out teachers can use the space to introduce learners to concepts of personal and shared space, safety, and co-operation in a fun, interactive way.

Learners and the principal from PS Fourie Primary School in Eersterust demonstrated to the audience how to use the interactive play space that was designed to inspire imagination, exploration, and outdoor fun for toddlers and young children.

“Creativity knows no bounds in the imagination-inspiring play zone. The Children’s Edutainment Garden features interactive maze games and puzzles that challenge problem-solving and critical-thinking skills,” said Shonisani Munzhedzi, CEO of Sanbi.

Thompson Mutshinyalo, director of the National Botanical Garden, planted an ash (Ekerbergia capensis) tree together with George.

“It will be a symbol of the minister’s visit to the garden,” said Mutshinyalo.

He explained the ash is an attractive large evergreen tree that has been used as a street tree in many towns and cities in South Africa.

“It is also a good ornamental garden tree and its fruit are enjoyed by birds and mammals,” said Mutshinyalo.

For those looking for fitness activities in nature, the garden recently opened a green gym and has several hiking trails.

Visitors can access all these facilities at the affordable price of just R90 per adult. For those who wish to visit the garden more often, the Sanbi Gardens Membership offers unlimited access to all 11 national botanical gardens across the country for just R800 per adult per annum and only R400 per child per annum. Children under the age of six and pensioners over the age of 60 enter for free every Tuesday, except for public holidays.

– Click here to see a video of learners from P S Fourie Primary School in Eersterust using the play area:

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