Opening of new Visitor Centre at Lowveld National Botanical Garden

The new Visitor Centre at the Lowveld Botanical Garden, just outside of Nelspruit, was officially opened on June 23rd in a ceremony attended by NBI employees, NBI Board Members and a couple of close associates and friends of the Garden.

Ms Nomsa Mtswebi, MEC for Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Administration in Mpumalanga unveiled a commemorative plaque during the opening ceremony to give thanks to our gracious sponsors Tsogo Sun Casinos and the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism through their Poverty Relief Programme.

A group of cultural dancers kicked of the ceremony in style with beautiful traditional dances and music. After which the Curator of the Garden, Rudi Britz and the Director of Gardens, Christopher Willis, said a few words of thanks and congratulations.

After the initial welcome we walked across the Crocodile River on the new pedestrian bridge and under a setting sun made our way to the new Visitor Centre for the unveiling of the commemorative plaque and a cocktail function held in the newly opened Makulu Manzi restaurant. This is one of the main features of the new Visitor Centre, along with an arts, crafts, books and interior décor shop, a soon to be open indigenous nursery and an Information Centre.

The night was enjoyed by all and the New Visitor centre was given a proper christening. We would like to invite all from far and wide to come and enjoy the new centre with us.

Written by: Lou-Nita Le Roux
Interpretation Officer
Lowveld National Botanical Garden