Tribute to respected conservationist

Residents of Roodepoort were shocked to hear of the passing of beloved Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden manager Xolelwa Hlalo, or Xoli, as she was called by locals, earlier this week.

Hlalo, who served as curator, and later garden manager at the Botanical Garden since 2015, was well-liked and widely respected within the community, actively and passionately involved in many local projects.

According to the communications director of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Nontisikelo Mpulo, Hlalo led the team at this garden with dedication and wisdom garnered over her many years at SANBI

“She joined SANBI in 2009 as Assistant Director for the Biodiversity Education and Empowerment Directorate at Lowveld National Botanical Garden (NBG).

“When Xoli moved from the Lowveld NBG to take up the vacant position as garden manager at the Walter Sisulu NBG in 2015, she was the first African female curator to be appointed in SANBI’s botanical gardens for over a century.

“Xoli was dependable, systematic and methodical, and was the kind of person who could be relied upon to see a job through to the end. She held firm views about how and when things should be done and demonstrated a passion for applied strategic thinking. She was always willing to share her knowledge and experience with team members across the entire organisation and the community.”

Hlalo was also a very adamant supporter of local community groups, especially those involved in conservation and children’s education.

“She actively encouraged children’s groups to utilise the garden, often offering free access if they performed some voluntary service such as litter collection.”

She was an ardent supporter of the Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch, as well as the Black Eagle Project, and was particularly grateful to the Sugarbush Ridges Coalition for their appointment of two permanent rangers that patrolled the ridges above the Botanical Garden.