Sanbi appoints first woman curator at Kirstenbosch Garden

Sanbi has appointed Nondumiso Magija as the first woman to lead the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden as curator. Image credit: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden/Facebook

For Magija, her appointment as garden manager is also a homecoming.

Nearly 20 years ago, she began her journey at Kirstenbosch as a horticultural intern, spending two years learning and developing within the garden before later serving as a horticulturist.

Her return brings her journey full circle.

“Kirstenbosch has a highly capable and dedicated team, and I look forward to working alongside them to build on the garden’s legacy,” says Magija.

“Together, we want to shape a vibrant, resilient and forward-looking botanical garden that demonstrates excellence in horticulture, biodiversity conservation and public engagement.

“I also look forward to building strong partnerships with our staff, communities, research institutions, conservation organisations and other stakeholders.

“These partnerships will be central to taking Kirstenbosch into its next phase and strengthening its role as a place of horticultural excellence, conservation, innovation and inspiration.”

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Since starting at Kirstenbosch, she has built leadership experience in horticulture, biodiversity conservation, municipal parks, community greening, and environmental education.

Her career has included management roles at the City of Cape Town, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, and Mogale City Local Municipality.

She returned to Sanbi in 2021 as garden manager of the Free State National Botanical Garden and later served as garden manager of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Magija holds a Bachelor of Public Administration Honours degree from Stellenbosch University, a leadership coaching certificate from Stellenbosch Business School, a Bachelor of Technology in environmental science, and a National Diploma in Horticulture from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.