SANBI is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Nondumiso Magija as Senior Garden Manager of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, effective 1 July 2026. Her appointment marks a historic milestone as the first woman to lead Kirstenbosch in the curator role and represents an exciting new chapter for one of South Africa’s most iconic botanical gardens.
For Ms Magija, the appointment is also a remarkable 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. She went on to build extensive 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.
Ms Magija holds a Bachelor of Public Administration Honours degree from Stellenbosch University, 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.
Her return to Kirstenbosch brings her professional journey full circle, from intern and horticulturist to leading the Garden at a pivotal moment in its history.
“Kirstenbosch has a highly capable and dedicated team, and I look forward to working alongside them to build on the Garden’s extraordinary legacy. Together, we want to shape a vibrant, resilient and forward-looking botanical garden that continues to demonstrate 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 extraordinary phase and strengthening its role as a place of horticultural excellence, conservation, innovation, and inspiration.”
Ms Magija’s appointment represents both continuity and renewal, honouring Kirstenbosch’s extraordinary legacy while positioning the Garden for an ambitious, resilient, and impactful future.
