Botanical Garden’s gates open for exercise
Picnics, braais, public events and social gatherings are still strictly prohibited in botanical gardens under advanced Level 3.
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG) re-opened its gates to the public on Monday 3 August together with other national botanical gardens across the country.
The decision came after the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, gazetted the re-opening last week.
According to the stipulations in the Government Gazette 43564 (Notice No. 822) on 28 July 2020, botanical gardens may be opened for exercise purposes only.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) manages 11 botanical gardens across nine provinces, as well as the national zoological gardens.
Picnics, braais, public events and social gatherings are still strictly prohibited in botanical gardens under advanced Level 3.
Chief Director of SANBI?s national botanical gardens, Christopher Willis added that other nature-related activities such as birding and hiking would be allowed as long as they do not contravene the published regulations.
Organised exercise consisting of groups of more than four people will not be allowed, while visitors are requested to maintain required health protocols by wearing face masks, and practicing sanitization and social distancing.
SANBI Acting Chief Executive Officer, Carmel Mbizvo said, “The welfare of our visitors and staff is of paramount importance, and therefore we urge our patrons to follow the regulations.”
The restaurant on site is also open for trade under the relevant health protocols and is accessible through the Garden?s main entrance.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online on the webtickets.co.za website to limit physical contact.
Botanical gardens were closed since 26 March under South Africa’s strict lockdown regulations related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
