The passing of the longtime manager of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Xolelwa (Xoli) Hlalu has elicited tributes from far and wide.
Hlalu was a much loved and widely respected champion for local conservation efforts, having worked closely with community and conservation organisations to promote and protect the West Rand’s natural resources.
She was passionate about both education and conservation and managed to maintain good working relationships and garner the respect of many residents and organisations.
According to Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch (RNW) chairperson Andreas Oberlechner, Xoli’s passing is a huge loss for the local community.
“The sudden and untimely passing of Xoli came as a huge shock to us at the RNW. Xoli was a staunch supporter of the watch and her pragmatic approach to running the botanical garden and her leadership will be greatly missed.
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“Our sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Lala ngoxolo.”
Belinda Cooper from the Proteadal Conservation Association (PCA), a community-based organisation that strives to uphold the integrity of the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp ridge system, says the PCA also mourns the loss of Xoli.
“Xoli wholeheartedly gave her support to the PCA right from the beginning,” she says.
“She was adamant in pushing for the appointment of two full-time rangers, both with security backgrounds, to patrol the ridges, and her efforts were critical for the continuation of the conservation efforts of the PCA.
“We want to express our absolute appreciation for the person that she was, and for her support of the important work that we do.”
Cooper also praised Hlalu’s efforts to bring about the expansion of the garden to include a substantial additional area above where the garden is situated.
“We could not ask for better,” Cooper says.
The Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) is another organisation that holds Hlalu in high regard.
BEPR committee member Johann van den Berg says the members of the project were deeply shocked and saddened by her passing.
“Xoli gave the project her full support and always praised us for the work done. We could always rely on her to sort out any problems we may have had, and she was instrumental in getting members free access to the Botanical Garden when they were on duty.
“We will miss her friendly, charming personality. Rest in peace.”
