Take a safe walk in Botanical Garden
Following the announcement by the minister of environment, forestry and fisheries, Barbara Creecy, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden opened its gates to the public on Monday August 3. Botanical gardens all over the country were reopened to the public for exercise.
Permission for access for exercise purposes only was published in the Amended Directions for the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries in
Government Gazette 43564 (Notice No. 822) on July 28.
“The gardens have been closed to the public for four months. Reopening will allow those who frequent them for exercise to again enjoy the privilege. Any access and use are subject to strict Covid-19 health protocols,” said Creecy.
Daily access to the botanical garden will be monitored, and limited once the safe carrying capacity for the area has been reached.
All visitors will be required to wear cloth face masks, have their temperature screened, and complete a tracing register. Gate opening and closing hours will be strictly adhered to.
“The welfare of our visitors and staff is of paramount importance and therefore we urge our patrons to follow the regulations” says Carmel Mbizvo, acting CEO of South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi).
No social gathering, picnics or public events will be allowed.
Commercial facilities in the garden, such as restaurants, have been allowed to open under alert level 3 subject to prescribed regulations for the respective areas of business.
“Business conferences and meetings limited to 50 people, excluding those who participate via electronic platforms, may be allowed under controlled conditions outlined in government regulations that promote health protocols for such gatherings,” said Creecy.
The country’s 11 botanical gardens in eight provinces are managed by Sanbi. Each garden represents a variety of South Africa’s rich biodiversity.