On Saturday 21 March 2026, the members of the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society overwhelmingly voted to close down the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa and voted in favour of the formation of the Hangklip Botanical Society NPC with the transfer of all the assets from Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa to Hangklip Botanical Society NPC.. There were only two abstentions.
As stated in the March 2026 Newsletter, the Hangklip Botanical Society NPC and the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa Committee that advises the Hangklip Botanical Society both strongly want to remain affiliated to National Botanical Society via the Hangklip Botanical Society. This has not been finalized yet, but everyone is aware of our desire and hopefully this will be a seamless transition.
The way that I see it is that you have a holding company, namely the Hangklip Botanical Society, and operating under the holding company is the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa. The reasons for forming a holding company have been clearly spelt out at the Special AGM.
Individuals need to become members of the Hangklip Botanical Society and through the Hangklip Botanical Society will be affiliated to National Botanical Society.
The branch continues to grow from strength to strength, and all facets of the branch are doing amazing work.
- HAROLD PORTER NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS
It is interesting to note in the 2025/26 Financial Year, the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa donated over R100 000 worth of machinery and implement repairs, materials such as poles, reinforcing steel etc. and even a new Weedeater which has meant that the staff have been better enabled to maintain and improve the gardens and to make sure the gardens are a pleasing experience to visit.
As per previous month, Chris Geldenhuys (Hardcore Hackers) and Rob Boyd (Betty’s Bay Hack) have agreed to help us remove dead trees in the Harold Porter Gardens, especially Keurbooms on the western side.
There is a lot of work to be done but I believe our input has made a difference.
- WEATHER
What is of concern is that the weather forecasters at this stage are predicting greater than a 60% chance of a strong El Niño Weather Formation which forms when sea surface temperatures warm beyond a certain threshold in the equatorial latitudes of the Pacific Ocean.
Known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the shifting weather patterns with global consequences, it is expected to appear before the Southern Hemisphere spring. All predictions say that the whole of Southern Africa could have an abnormally dry summer next year. The predictions are also that the Western Cape winter will be warmer and drier than normal.
I do believe we have learnt a great number of lessons from the 2015-2017 drought, that we have learnt to work with water more prudently and that our water resources are better managed.
March 2026 rainfall was 48mm at the Harold Porter Gardens which was below the long-term average for March. In April to date we have recorded 30mm which is also very much on par with average. (Written on 13 April)
The months in which we expect cooler weather and a great deal of rainfall are between May and August. These will be interesting months to watch.
Betty’s Bay Rainfall 2015 to 2025 Harold Porter National Garden
- HAROLD PORTER BOOK AND CRAFT SHOP
The shop continues to perform well, with March sales 7% up on the previous March. As we keep on moving the bar higher and higher, it is going to be more difficult to keep on exceeding previous year’s sales by double digit numbers, but we continue to try.
We started the new financial year (1 April 2026) with a bang and with a very successful Easter Plant Sale exceeding our wildest hopes, which meant that our turnover for the first twelve days of April was equal to the whole of April 2025. One must remember that 2025 also included Easter Plant sales so we are comparing like with like.
The Easter Plant Sale organized solely by the Kogelberg Branch has become a social highlight and it was wonderful to see the enjoyment of all who attended. I know the volunteers greatly enjoyed their two days of interaction during the plant sales. It is now something that has to be on the social calendar every year for the Hangklip region.
Book Launches:
- Saturday 21 March – Lundy’s Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula
This was a success. We probably would have liked to have seen more sales but still it did well, the weekend itself being so action-packed.
- Saturday 11 April- Eugene Moll presented his book Sappi Tree Spotting-Cape Coast to Kalahari. This well attended and immensely enjoyed. Thanks to Eugene Moll.
- Saturday 9 May at 10.30 for 11am: The First Safari Author Ian Glenn will relate how, for a quarter of a century, a South African researcher searched for Levaillant’s Travel Notebooks and tried to solve the puzzles and mysteries of Levaillant’s life and times. This book is not only intended for would-be researchers but also for people interested in the bush or birding and who want to know why Levaillant was our greatest naturalist.
Our shop manager, Janet Nel, took a week’s leave in April for her daughter’s wedding. It is wonderful how the volunteers eagerly stepped in to man the shop for the week that Janet was away.
- FRIENDS OF THE HAROLD PORTER GARDENS
We appeal to anyone who has a great love for the Harold Porter National Gardens in the Kogelberg Biosphere to assist Viv von der Heyden and Jenny Pattinson and their fellow gardeners with the gardening activities. The next gardening sessions are:
Tuesday 5 May at 8.30am with Jenny’s team. Jenny can be contacted on 072 301 0357
Thursday 14 May at 8.30am with Viv’s team. Viv’s number is 084 685 2641.
If you would like to volunteer, all you need to do is pitch up at the Harold Porter Gardens at the designated times. We have the tools and protective clothing, we just desperately need your hands to help. Please do make contact with the team leaders first so that they can add you to their contacts. Weather conditions can sometimes make the decision to garden or not garden a bit problematic!
- KOGELBERG GARDEN CIRCLE
The meeting on Friday 17 April was hosted by Andrea Kampmann, who moved to Betty’s Bay two years ago from Gaborone, Botswana.
Their house was used as a holiday home for many years, and the garden was mainly left to its own devices, with many plants popping up at random. Like many properties in our area, the front garden is dryish, and the back garden is wettish. So it was very helpful to have the exchange of ideas and advice from gardeners who have experience in planting in the different micro-climates.
The practical demonstration on pruning by Ebraime Hull of HPG was also greatly appreciated. For more info about the Garden Circle contact Convenor: Galia Manicom 082 963 3804
- HACKS
- Betty’s Bay Hack No. 745
See Rob’s report here. The next Hack is Saturday 2 May. Convener: Rob Boyd 082 567 8858
- Hangklip Hardcore Hackers (HHH) (Hack no. 74): March 2026
Chris Geldenhuys reported re the Hardcore Hackers March activities as follows:
“There were 8 hack opportunities in March with 200 man days. The Sugarbird Hangklip work team has been successfully established with a leader appointed and duties commenced beginning of March. The 5-member team led by a designated leader undertook the water purification plant area as their first project, working five days a week with a high level of productivity. Mike Christelis serves as co-ordinator, monitoring productivity and acting as liaison between HHH and the Sugarbird Foundation. The team’s contribution is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the great job you are doing, Mike!
The positive impact of the hacking community is becoming increasingly evident. While some residents, particularly those from smallholdings, were initially hesitant about the hacker’s presence, many now recognize the benefits: the revival of fynbos, reduced fire risk, and improved property values. The recent Pine Hack exemplified the shift in attitude from a specific plot owner.” Convener: Chris Geldenhuys 082 900 8299.
- Pringle Bay Hack:
Chris Geldenhuys reported on the Pringle Bay Hack No. 220 held on 28 March.
37 hackers reported for duty to tackle alien vegetation in the areas of Pass Road and Bobby Road. Chris goes on to report:
“The efforts were directed towards eradicating alien plants.
- Pass Road upper end: Acacia Myrtle made up 70% of the targets, followed by Port Jackson – 15%, Spider Gums – 10% and Rooikranz – 5%.
- Bobby Road: Rooikranz dominated at 90%, with Acacia Myrtle – 5%, Port Jackson – 3%, and other species making up the remaining 2%.
Chris goes on to say that Saturday was marked by the goodwill, energy and teamwork displayed by all the hackers, both local and from neighbouring areas such as Betty’s Bay and Rooi Els. Collective commitment is always encouraging and appreciated. It is also inspiring to see families getting involved in hacking activities, which fosters a positive atmosphere and strong teamwork.
It is important to remember that each part of our region requires a tailored approach. For example, working in the dunes is different; while we usually recommend removing plants with their roots, in the dunes the roots help stabilize the sand. Therefore, it is better to cut the plants low and paint the stumps blue – even the small ones – to maintain sand stability.
The next Pringle Bay hack will be on Saturday 30 May. The meeting point is always in front of the Hangklip Bottle Store, in Central Avenue, Pringle Bay, at 8.30am. Convener: Chris Geldenhuys 082 900 8299.
- Rooiels Hack:
The Rooiels Hack takes place on the second Saturday of every month, led by Mike Christelis, and they meet at the Rooi Els Village Shop at 8.30am.
Mike reported that 20 volunteers attended the April Rooi Els hackwhich took place on Porter Drive between Mont Aux Mer and the distillery, where there was a big outbreak of Spider Gums as well as Rooikrans, Myrtle and even the odd Pine. The output was amazing and the entire verge was cleared all the way until the distillery. Some of the trees were massive so the stacks of cuttings left behind were very impressive.
Well done to Mike and his team with the amazing work that they are doing in Rooi Els. The next hack will be Saturday 9 May. Convenor: Mike Christelis 082 467 2795.
- CREW
The Kogelberg Crew Team continues to do wonderful work in searching for endangered or near endangered species, recording the numbers and locations, which all helps with conservation of the fynbos in the Kogelberg Biosphere.
I am fortunate to see the Crew monthly report, and it is amazing what they do discover in the Kogelberg mountains. We cannot let on even what species are found because as soon as a really endangered plant iand its location is noted, someone, somehow or other someone gets to steal it. So, not that we want to be secretive, but it is for the sake of preserving the fynbos that we are so cautious.
To Gerda Theron and her team, thank you very much. Keep up the good work. We are proud of what you do on behalf of the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society. Contact: Gerda Theron
Email: kogelbergcrew@gmail.com
- MONTHLY TALKS
On Saturday 18 April our guest speaker was Corlie Hugo, CEO of the Kogelberg Biosphere and an expert in managing and preserving the exceptional Kogelberg Biosphere, one of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the world. She provided us with a deeper understanding of the challenges we face and how thoughtful stewardship can ensure conservation of our forests, rivers, wildlife and coastal plains.
- KOGELBERG BRANCH MONTHLY WALK took place on Saturday 18 April with Tim Atwell leading the group up from Fairy Glen to find Erica Pillansii. Fortunately the rain stayed away and the hike could be enjoyed.
- CONCLUSION
The branch amazes me with all that it achieves in its work to conserve the fynbos of the Kogelberg Biosphere. There are so many people working relentlessly in this greater conservation project – in the shop to make sure that we have funds to fund all the projects and create stimulus for the many volunteers, the hackers who do unbelievably good work, the Garden Circle that does a huge job of educating and getting people to appreciate the fynbos, the Fight For Fynbos and plant rescue, driven by Galia Manicom, the efforts of the Friends of the Harold Porter, in trying to maintain the gardens in as pristine a condition as possible and then all the other people that are never hesitant to put up their hands when asked to do something on behalf of the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa.
To all of you, thank you. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. We truly live in a beautiful part of the world, but I have come to realize that what makes this place so much more special than any other place in the world are the people that make up the community. We have a truly wonderful, caring and supportive community.
To all of you, thanks, for your tremendous efforts.
Peter Dall
Treasurer: Hangklip Botanical Society
082 784 4326
Email: peter@pdconsult.co.za