Following the strong public response to its 126th birthday campaign, the National Zoological Garden of South Africa (Pretoria Zoo) will extend its birthday admission initiative for a further 12 months as the Zoo marks its 127th birthday. Visitors can enter for R27 on the 27th of every month for another year. The extended initiative begins on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, when Pretoria Zoo marks its 127th anniversary. It will run until 27 September 2027 and applies to all admission ticket categories, excluding other paid offerings. The year-long 126th birthday celebration drew a marked rise in general visits and school participation, while creating wider public interest in the Zoo's conservation and education work. Attendance on the promotional dates was more than 60% higher than the corresponding historical average, showing how strongly the public responded to a more accessible opportunity to visit. “Last year's celebration reminded us that the Pretoria Zoo's story is shared with the people who visit, learn and make memories here,” says Mr Leslie Mudimeli, General Manager of the National Zoological Garden of South Africa. “Extending this initiative gives more families and schools an opportunity to experience it while engaging with the conservation work that takes place here every day.” The October programme places education and animal care at the centre of the anniversary month. Weekday school lessons will continue through much of October, while weekends will feature animal talks and the Zoo Adventure programme. Visitors can also attend selected feeding and enrichment sessions across the Zoo. Selected October highlights include: 10 October: African Penguin Day and migratory bird activities, together with the weekend animal talks and Zoo Adventure programme. 21 October: Reptile Awareness Day, including a reptile encounter later in the day. 27 October: Pretoria Zoo’s 127th anniversary and the first R27 admission day in the extended …
Four New African Penguin Chicks Bring Hope as National Zoological Garden Marks African Penguin Awareness Day
This International African Penguin Awareness Day, the National Zoological Garden (NZG) is celebrating new life in its African penguin colony while highlighting the urgent need to protect this Critically Endangered species in the wild. Observed on Saturday, 10 October 2026, this year’s African Penguin Awareness Day is being marked under the #NotOnOurWatch theme, a call to action to protect African penguins and prevent further declines in their wild populations. The NZG is currently home to 14 African penguins and is celebrating the arrival of four chicks as the colony begins breeding again. One of the chicks has started venturing out of its nest and is beginning to look different from the adults. African penguin chicks grow blue-grey juvenile plumage 20-30 days after hatching and are often referred to as baby blues or “blues”. They develop their distinctive black-and-white adult plumage after their first major moult. The other three chicks remain in their nests and are still too small to be seen by visitors. There is more good news in the colony. Another breeding pair laid two eggs last week, with an incubation period of approximately 38–42 days. Both parents share responsibility for incubating the eggs and raising their chicks. The NZG’s work with its African penguins extends beyond breeding. Each penguin is individually identified using a coloured tag attached to its flipper. Males are tagged on the right flipper and females on the left, allowing keepers to identify individuals and monitor the birds as a colony. The penguins are hand-fed three times a day and eat pilchards, with additional vitamins added to their food. As an interesting fact, African penguins also have special glands above their eyes that help remove excess salt from their bodies. When they eat fish from the sea, these glands filter out the excess salt, which is released through their nostrils. This natural process helps them regulate the amount of salt in their bodies. This is why the …
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St&I Business Forum to Host Inaugural St&I Public Lecture
The ST&I Business Forum, a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) as the cornerstone of national economic development, is proud to announce the Inaugural ST&I Public Lecture, to be held on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in the City of Ekurhuleni. The landmark event will convene senior delegates from business, government, academia, professionals and civil society around South Africa’s national ST&I agenda. The Inaugural Lecture is themed “A Public-Private Partnership Model for Science and Innovation” and represents a defining moment in South Africa’s science and innovation calendar. The Public Lecture (17:00–20:00) is designed to catalyse substantive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on the role of public-private collaboration in driving inclusive industrial innovation and long-term national competitiveness. The event will feature keynote addresses from distinguished voices across government, business, academia, industry and prominent leaders in government including distinguished guests who have played an immense role in our society by advancing the nexus of science, business and policy for the betterment of our country. The lecture will be delivered by an international speaker supported by the Princeton University of Africa World Initiative (AWI). For information and updates on the lecture visit: ST&I Business Forum | Inaugural Public Lecture 2026 The 8th of July 2026, Inaugural Public Lecture will also serve as the official launch of the ST&I Business Forum as a national Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) policy advocacy organisation formed to champion the implementation of the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation and 2022 Decadal plan and Industrial Innovation for an inclusive prosperous South Africa. ABOUT THE ST&I BUSINESS FORUM The ST&I Business Forum exists to advance Science, Technology & …
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The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, MS Bernice Swarts, Unveils New Deck and Refurbished Pedestrian Bridge at Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Bernice Swarts, unveiled a new viewing deck and the refurbished pedestrian bridge at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The project, funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Greening and Open Space Management programme (GOSM), underscores the department’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable use of the country’s environmental resources. “With the addition of the new viewing deck, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden will be elevated to the status of other attractions including the Mac-Mac Falls, and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes,” said Deputy Minister Swarts. “The people of Mpumalanga and Mbombela in particular, have these stunning geological features right on their doorstep in addition to the wonderful botanical features and leisure spaces in the national botanical garden,” Deputy Minister Swarts said. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden is one of the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) flagship gardens and is also one of South Africa's eleven National Botanical Gardens. The 165-hectare garden is surrounded by urban development and is, thus, a treasured urban oasis and pristine getaway for thousands of people residing in Mpumalanga. The garden sits in Nelspruit, Mbombela near the Skukuza Gate to Kruger National Park. It is also in close proximity to the Panorama Route which is a scenic drive in Mpumalanga, South Africa, known for its breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the Lowveld. Lowveld National Botanical Garden (NBG) regularly hosts events where the public enjoy the concert stage, as well as the quiet spaces in the garden. These include the rain forest canopy walk as well as the meditative circle which hosts yoga and other wellness activities. The garden also boasts two spectacular restaurants which can host specific events and conferences. In addition, the garden’s …
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Capture the Beauty of Nature With SANBI This Nature Photography Day
In celebration of Nature Photography Day on 15 June 2025, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) invites all garden lovers, nature enthusiasts, and photography fans to take part in a special campaign, to capture nature’s wonders. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant plant or wildlife in our national botanical gardens, dramatic garden landscapes, or the fascinating animals at our zoological gardens, this is your chance to showcase the magic of SANBI spaces and share what nature means to you. Nature Photography Day is a global moment that celebrates the breath-taking beauty of the natural world. People across the globe will be turning their lenses toward nature, and SANBI is making it easy for South Africans to join in and celebrate local biodiversity. “To enter, simply visit any SANBI botanical or zoological garden between now and 20 June 2025. While you're there, take a photo that captures the essence of the space, whether it’s a blooming flower, a towering tree, a playful primate, or a peaceful moment by a pond,” says Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director: Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation at SANBI. “Then, share your photo on Instagram, Facebook, or X using the hashtag #NaturePhotographyDay2025, #SANBI4Nature #SANBINatureSnaps and tag SANBI along with the garden you visited,” says Mpulo There’s something special in store. One winner will receive a SANBI Gardens membership for two people, giving them free entry to their favourite garden for an entire year. ““Whether your photo features a Southern Ground Hornbill, an aloe, small insect or a shady garden trail, every entry is welcome and celebrated,” explains Mpulo. “Nature Photography Day is about more than just beautiful pictures, it is about reconnecting with our living world and appreciating the plants, animals, and ecosystems that sustain us. It’s also a moment to inspire others to explore, discover, and protect the natural spaces around them. “You have until 20 June 2025 to …
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South Africa Leads Regional Effort to Strengthen Biodiversity Action Plans
Over 120 delegates from more than 30 countries, including Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and other Anglophone nations, have gathered in Cape Town this week for a regional dialogue on the update and revision of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). The event is being convened by the Republic of South Africa through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the African Union Commission (AUC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the Commonwealth, with support from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in its role as a Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC) Support Centre. The gathering supports countries in aligning their biodiversity planning efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 in 2022. It brings together government representatives, technical experts, scientists, and civil society to foster collaboration, exchange expertise, and build capacity for effective biodiversity action planning. Speaking at the opening of the Dialogue, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend Singh said “ This is about working together as a region to protect our shared natural heritage and secure a better future for people and the planet.” He added “ When we invest in biodiversity, we invest in water security, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. We invest in the foundation of human welfare.” The dialogue aims to accelerate the revision and alignment of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), the global …
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Pretoria National Botanical Garden Awarded Level 4 Accreditation by Arbnet Accreditation Program
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is pleased to announce that the Pretoria National Botanical Garden has been awarded a Level 4 Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum. This is the highest level in the grading criteria, Pretoria National Botanical Garden is now one of the only 46 botanical garden in the world with a professionally curated arboretum (trees collection). This award underscores SANBI’s commitment to providing world-class services to those visiting its gardens across the country. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a testament to achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. It is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden (PNBG) is a conservation and research space established in 1946 and opened to the public in 1958. This 76-ha urban oasis is a pristine getaway located in the eastern suburbs of South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria. It serves as the headquarters of SANBI and the National Herbarium, overseeing South Africa’s National Botanical and Zoological Gardens. The garden focuses on the conservation, display, and research of indigenous plants, especially trees from northern and eastern South Africa, South African cycads and succulent species. The Garden features both landscaped and natural areas, extending into the Magaliesberg mountain range. Some of its unique features include an avenue of Bolusanthus speciosus (Tree Wisterias), and naturally occurring Ochna pulchra and Ochna pretoriensis. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden has also been awarded Best Place to Get Back to …
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A New Wave of Life: National Zoological Garden Welcomes Sharks and Over 200 Marine Fish
The National Zoological Garden (NZG), home to the largest inland aquarium on the African continent, has added a variety of new marine fish to its collection, three Blacktip Reef Sharks and more than 200 colourful marine fish. This exciting update brings fresh energy to the aquarium and offers visitors an even richer glimpse into the wonders of ocean life. This latest development forms part of NZG’s ongoing mission to connect people with biodiversity and highlight the importance of marine conservation through education and immersive experiences. “The arrival of these animals not only adds to the beauty and diversity of our exhibits but also helps us tell a bigger story about ocean ecosystems and the threats they face,” said Tracy Rehse, Director of Animal Collections at NZG. The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a fast and agile species native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive, black-tipped fins and remarkable swimming speed, these sharks are effective daytime hunters that often move in small groups, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. In the wild, they face growing threats from habitat destruction and overfishing and are currently listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Red List. While their average lifespan in the wild ranges from 10 to 12 years, they can live for over 20 years in well-maintained aquarium settings, reaching lengths of 1.5 to 2 metres. The sharks arrived at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya following a 10-hour flight and were promptly transported to the NZG. Each shark travelled in a 1,000-litre plastic tank fitted with secure lids and connected to life support systems to ensure proper oxygenation during the journey. Upon arrival, they were carefully introduced to their new environment, gradually adjusting water temperature, salinity, and pH to ensure a smooth and stress-free acclimation process. Accompanying the …
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ECSA to Host a Fundraising Golf Day to Stop the Bleeding Engineering Skills Pipeline
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, host its inaugural fundraising Golf Day at the Country Golf Club Woodmead, Johannesburg. The first of its kind by the engineering regulator, this initiative is aimed at raising funds to support women in engineering programmes, establish a fund to assist engineering students with financial constraints as well as support ongoing initiatives to increase the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Speaking on the significance of the Golf Day, ECSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bridget Ssamula, noted that each year the engineering fraternity faces a bleed in the skills pipeline which can be attributed to a number of factors including financial constraints, female engineers leaving the profession as well as among others, the low up take of STEM subjects to contribute to students studying towards qualifications in engineering. These factors are supported by research findings documented in an article titled “Universities Face Decline In Engineering Graduates” by Ryan Cloete noting that South African universities have recorded a decline in the number of engineering graduates. According to Cloete, of the 208,299 students who entered university for the first time during the 2023 academic year, 69,000 enrolments were within scarce skills areas. Some of these enrolments were recorded in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications. Furthermore, statistics on trading economics, reveal that in 2018, approximately only 8% of all tertiary graduates in the country completed programs in engineering, manufacturing, and construction. Further research notes that engineering students in South Africa face notable financial challenges impacting their education and ability to complete their qualification in record time. A case study conducted by the University of KwaZulu - Natal revealed that 49% of students who left the engineering faculty …
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New Gardens Membership Pricing for National Botanical and Zoological Gardens: It Is Now Even Cheaper to Access Some of the Beautiful Gardens on the African Continent With the Introduction of Couples, Families and Pensioners Pricing for the Sanbi Gardens Membership
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) introduced a national SANBI Gardens Membership in April 2024. In 2025, the organisation, which manages 11 national botanical and two zoological gardens across eight of South Africa’s nine provinces, is announcing additional membership packages making it even easier for South Africans to connect with nature. As of March 2025, anyone who wishes to enjoy green open spaces and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity inside and outside national botanical and zoological gardens can choose from a variety of membership options to suit their needs. Membership options include a national individual, couples, pensioner and family packages as well as regional memberships. The National membership, which grants entry to all SANBI gardens, including Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Pretoria Zoo, is available at R800 per year for individual adults, R600 for students and pensioners, and R400 for scholars. Couples can join for R1200 per year, while families (2 adults and 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children) can enjoy full access for R1600 per year. SANBI remains committed to preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity and ensuring these green spaces remain accessible, well-maintained, and thriving for future generations. “A SANBI Gardens membership offers more than unlimited access to these breathtaking spaces; it is an investment in conservation, education, and community well-being,” says Director of Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation, Nontsikelelo Mpulo at SANBI. Regional membership one provides access to the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, the National Zoological Garden, and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. This membership is available at R650 per year for individual adults, R480 for students and pensioners, and R325 for scholars. Couples can join for R1000 per year, while families (2 adults and 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children) can enjoy full access for …