SANBI 'in denial' over neglect at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - whistleblower
The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Image: File
The environmentalist and horticulturist who claimed that Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was in a state of decay, neglect, and poor financial management, said the SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was in denial when it refuted his allegations.
SANBI said they had been in communication with James Deacon, who took to social media last week, and thought the matter was resolved after numerous engagements with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp.
Deacon took to Facebook and said he had volunteered at the garden for nearly two decades, but was horrified at its state of “death and decay and neglect”.
In response to SANBI’s remarks, Deacon told the Cape Argus he had the future of the garden at heart and did not want it to be politicised.
“I think it is sad that they are still denying it; all I want is to get the problem fixed. I am not attacking anyone," he said.
In his widely shared post, Deacon detailed his frustrations: “When I walk through the nursery now, I see 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 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. Poor financial management has resulted in the organisation having to use funds donated for educational purposes to pay staff salaries. Kirstenbosch no longer has a Protea or an Erica expert and hasn't had either for years.”
Environmentalist and horticulturist, James Deacon.
Image: Facebook
SANBI issued a statement following the claims, citing that the Minister met with Deacon earlier this year.
“During the engagement, which included discussions and explanations on all issues raised, Mr Deacon conceded that some of his allegations were inexact. Following this meeting, SANBI considered the matter resolved as per the discussion with Mr Deacon.
“This is despite Mr Deacon being aware that the Minister timeously granted him ease of access to SANBI management to address his issues, and SANBI has confirmed that some have been addressed and others are in progress. Mr Deacon’s actions are therefore counterproductive.
“As a public entity committed to transparency and accountability, SANBI once again invites Mr Deacon to engage directly with the SANBI team should he have any new concerns. His current approach of rallying public support instead of engaging with SANBI constructively is unfortunate."
Aucamp has yet to respond to the claims after being approached by the Cape Argus.
Matthew Cook, national chairperson of the GOOD Party, said: “His account paints a devastating picture of institutional neglect, collapsing conservation capacity, poor financial management, procurement dysfunction, and the slow deterioration of one of South Africa’s most important environmental and heritage sites,."