The Kirstenbosch Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa is a non-profit organisation whose mandate is to raise funds for capital development at Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, one of the nine national gardens managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

In July 1913 the Kirstenbosch Estate was handed over to an established board of trustees for the establishment and development of a National Botanic Garden. Prior to this, on 15 June 1913 at a public meeting in Cape Town, it was resolved to form a Botanical Society to raise funds for the National Botanic Garden and to encourage South Africans to take an active part in its development.

The Kirstenbosch Branch of the Botanical Society separated its operations from Head Office in 1985 to become one of the youngest branches.

The Botanical Society as a whole will celebrate its centenary in 2013 along with Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden.

Mission Statement

To win the hearts, minds and material support of individuals and organisations, wherever they may be, for the conservation, cultivation, study and wise use of the indigenous flora of southern Africa.

Aims and Objectives

In terms of the Society’s Constitution its main objectives are:

• “To promote a caring attitude towards the indigenous flora and vegetation of southern Africa…”
• “To promote and actively be involved in the conservation, cultivation and wise use of the indigenous flora…”
• “To increase knowledge and understanding of the indigenous flora and vegetation of southern Africa through educational programmes…”
• “To liaise and co-operate, when considered appropriate, with organisations such as the NBI and others…”
• “To interest the people of South Africa and other countries in the progress and development of all the National Botanical Gardens…”