The Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort was renamed the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Tuesday, the Environmental Affairs Department said.
In a media statement, spokesperson John Louw said the renaming — at a ceremony near the Witpoortjie Waterfall — was part of the Ten Years of Democracy celebrations.
Environment Minister Valli Moosa addressed guest at the event, including members of the Sisulu family, representatives of the private and public sector, foreign dignitaries, scholars and non-governmental organisations.
”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,” said Louw.
Addressing the guests, Moosa said: ”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.”
Louw said the garden covers about 300 hectares and consists of both landscaped and natural veld areas. All the plants used in the garden are indigenous to southern Africa. – Sapa