The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) needs a budget of R741 million for infrastructure upgrades to Kirstenbosch and its network of gardens.
The SANBI’s Conservation Gardens and Tourism Division manages SANBI’s network of National Botanical and Zoological Gardens, each with its associated tourism infrastructure and conservation estate.
Challenges at require donors and stakeholders to secure the financial and operational resources necessary for long-term sustainability, said Nqabisa Gantsho, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, on Wednesday.
SANBI met the committee and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and the North-West Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism Department on Wednesday.
The committee heard that South Africa’s network of national botanical and zoological gardens, managed by SANBI, faces significant infrastructure challenges that threaten its ability to fulfil critical roles in conservation, research, education and tourism.
The SANBI briefing consisted of infrastructure matters at Kirstenbosch Gardens and other facilties. The committee heard that reserves are vital for conservation, tourism, community development and heritage preservation.
“These gardens, including the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, are not only urban centres for biodiversity and social cohesion, but also vital contributors to local economies and job creation. However, the infrastructure supporting these functions is under severe strain due to historical underinvestment, aging facilities and escalating demands,” Gantsho said.
Gantsho explained that a primary challenge is the substantial gap between available funding and actual infrastructure needs. She explained that while the DFFE allocated R180 million in 2024/2025, the projected infrastructure requirement for 2027/2028 alone is R741 million, with the backlog expected to reach R839 million by 2029/2030.
This shortfall hampers the maintenance and upgrading of essential assets such as water systems, security, electricity, roads and visitor amenities. Many gardens were established over a century ago, and their aging infrastructure requires urgent restoration to meet modern standards for safety, accessibility and sustainability.
“Operational challenges compound these financial constraints. SANBI must prioritise income-generating infrastructure, conservation facilities and compliance with legal and safety regulations. The need to balance commercial activities with conservation and educational mandates adds complexity to infrastructure planning. These include events, restaurants, and plant sales,” Gantsho said.
She said the expansion of green energy and water conservation initiatives, while essential for sustainability, requires significant upfront investment that is difficult to secure given current budget limitations.
Image: FILE
“Staffing and capacity are also affected. Critical vacancies, especially in horticultural and technical roles, limit the ability to maintain and develop infrastructure efficiently. While volunteer support and public-private partnerships provide some relief, they cannot substitute for sustained, strategic investment,” Gantsho said.
Despite these challenges, SANBI has achieved notable successes, such as the completion of the Boomslang walkway and upgrades to research and visitor facilities. Ongoing and proposed projects, including solar PV installations, irrigation upgrades, and enhanced security, demonstrate a clear vision for the future.
“However, without increased and sustained funding, the risk of infrastructure deterioration threatens the gardens’ ability to serve as world-class centres for biodiversity, tourism, and community engagement,” Gantsho said.
