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WITS BOTANICAL GARDEN IS RENAMED TO WALTER SISULU NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN "HONOURING A LEGACY OF FREEDOM IN CELEBRATION OF OUR NATURAL HERITAGE"

Today, (Tuesday, 16 March 2004) Minister Valli Moosa officially announced the renaming of the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, in Roodepoort, Gauteng.

The renaming forms part of government's Ten Years of Democracy celebrations.

Hosted against the backdrop of the magnificent Witpoortjie Waterfall, the celebration was attended by the private and public sector, foreign dignitaries, members of the Sisulu family, scholars, community-based organisations (CBOs) and non-government organisations (NGOs). The colourful event, marked by pulsating drums, song and dance culminated in a tree planting ceremony by dignitaries and scholars, thus defining the dawn of a new era in the history of our biodiversity.

Addressing guests at the event, Minister Moosa said the renaming ceremony is a chance for all South Africans to reflect on the enormous changes in the field of biodiversity, heritage and conservation brought about by democracy.

"It is a chance for those of us who have been denied access to this heritage to re-appropriate it, to join hands with all our fellow South Africans, to take on the custodianship of nature which is our duty, and to make this heritage bring real material and spiritual benefits to us all," he said.

He further pointed out that South Africa's parks and botanical gardens are a central asset in the country's tourism economy, "Over 1 million people visit the various botanical gardens around South Africa on an annual basis. A total of 3 million people visit our national parks each year. Of the 6 million tourists coming to South Africa every year, our incredible beauty and diversity are a big attraction".

The garden operates an Environmental Education Centre for surrounding schools and OBE teachers, providing an invaluable resource for educators in all communities. The last ten years has seen a new generation of horticulturists, environment educators, and conservationists move through the ranks of the National Botanical Institute. Today 50% of the country's qualified horticulturists are now black. "This transformation has been occasioned by the advent of freedom and democracy in South Africa, and we in the biodiversity and conservation sector owe our gratitude to great men and women who fought for this freedom. In honouring the legacy of Walter Sisulu, we acknowledge our debt to one of the greatest architects of the struggle against apartheid," concluded Minister Moosa.

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is the fastest growing of eight botanical gardens managed by the National Botanical Institute. This garden covers almost 300 ha and consists of both landscaped and natural veld areas. All the plants used in the garden are indigenous to southern Africa.

The garden plays host to various fund-raising events for the Garden Development Fund such as picnic concerts, craft markets, special children's events, environmental courses and carols by candlelight.

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is open to the public daily from 08h00 to 18h00 and a nominal fee is payable: R15 for adults, R5 for scholars and students, under 6 no charge.

JP Louw
Director Communications
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Cell: 082 468 3401
Tel: (012) 310 3594/6

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
16 March 2004