On 26 May 2026, the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden hosted approximately 50 elderly citizens. The event was organised by PWK Waste Management and Recycling in collaboration with the Tshenzhelani Environmental Ambassadors. The aim was to celebrate biodiversity while providing elderly community members with an opportunity to reconnect with nature through a safe, guided, and enriching outdoor experience. The initiative sought to honour senior citizens by promoting healthy living, physical activity, social interaction, and environmental appreciation.
The participants came from three community groups: the Makumbane Hunters Old Age Women’s Soccer Team, the Grace for the Elderly Aerobics Group, and the Tshenzhelani Traditional Office Elderly Group.
Thohoyandou NBG interns, Hakundwi Netshituthuni (Ecotourism Management), Wanga Lithole (Environmental Scientist) and Thabo Tshisevhe (Tourism Management), served as guides for the day. They introduced the visitors to the garden’s three cultural huts, which showcase the cultural heritage of Limpopo’s three major ethnic groups: the Bapedi, Vhavenda, and Vatsonga. Visitors learned how these communities traditionally relied on plants for medicine, food, and other essential resources, as well as about the garden’s history.
To ensure effective management of the tour, the participants were divided into three groups. They spent time in the picnic area engaging in light stretching exercises, while facilitators shared information on environmental awareness and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
The groups also enjoyed a guided walk along the hiking trail, spending approximately an hour under the forest canopy. Along the way, they observed various tree species and learned about the Mbovana River, which flows through the garden and is currently known as a seasonal stream.
It is encouraging to see local community members becoming increasingly aware of the garden and making use of this valuable conservation space for learning, recreation, and relaxation.
SANBI’s Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden encourages pensioners to visit the garden every Tuesday, when entrance is free for all pensioners, excluding public holidays.