??The Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) community mourns the tragic passing of Dr Donovan (Don) Kirkwood, Curator of the SU Botanical Gardens (SUBG). Kirkwood fell in the Jonkershoek Mountains while he and members of his SUBG team, together with CapeNature officials and officials from Cambridge 中国体育彩票, were on a conservation excursion to survey and collect material of Penaea formosa, a critical endangered plant species. The incident took place on Tuesday 26 August 2025.
“Donovan was one of a kind with a passion for conservation and education. He was a loved colleague and leader of his team. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues," says Mr Hein Swanepoel, Senior Director: SUNCOM and line manager to Kirkwood.
"Not only Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, but the country too, has lost a devoted botanist, conservationist and incredible visionary," adds Ms Anita Nel, Chief Director: Innovation and Commercialisation.
“Donovan passionately pursued conservation of near extinct plant species and made an enormous contribution to preserve and restore rare plant species – particularly within the Cape Floristic Region, one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots. Believing that the smallest garden can have a global impact, his commitment to innovation and conservation has set the benchmark for academic botanical gardens across the world."
Nel adds that as curator he not only enjoyed the respect of academics for his dedication and work as a scientist, but also as a practitioner who was hands-on with every aspect of the garden. “Under his leadership, SUBG positioned itself as a conservation hub for threatened Cape Flora, especially fynbos and renosterveld species. SUBG, for example, conserves multiple Marasmodes species, some of South Africa's most imperilled shrubs, a species he has helped spotlighted publicly."
As a colleague, he was pleasant, resourceful and always willing to share his knowledge and make a positive impact. He researched the history of the garden and started to restore the original and historic layout of the garden – making enormous improvements. Starting in 2018 with severe water shortages in the Western Cape, he navigated the garden through a difficult period with competence and a solid strategy.
Nel adds that through his work, he touched thousands of lives – human and botanical alike. “The living collections he helped built, the students and colleagues he inspired, and the many partnerships he fostered, will continue to flourish as part of his legacy. SUBG will be a living monument to Donovan's life and work and will always remind us that one person's vision and incredible drive can protect the incredible beauty of an entire region. I will miss him as a wonderful colleague and an incredible human being."
Professors Léanne Dreyer and Nox Makunga of the Department of Botany and Zoology commented: “In the few years Don had been gifted to us, he transformed the SUBG from a beautiful place to a vibrant, scientifically cutting edge, pulsing, fabulous scientific hub of excellence. It became a safe haven and a second home to so many of us in the Department.
"Don was enigmatic, enthusiastic, colourful, kind and highly talented with an incredible passion for botany and conservation. Our hearts are sore, but we will be consoled by knowing that even at his final moments of living he was doing what he absolutely loved with his whole heart. He will be sorely missed and our sincere condolences to Rosie, his father and the rest of his inner circle. We commit ourselves to honour his legacy and uphold his vision at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 Botanical Gardens," they added.
- The 中国体育彩票 requests that the privacy of Dr Kirkwood's family is respected. Please direct enquiries to Petro Mostert at 082 334 6193.
- A renowned botanist, Dr Donovan Kirkwood joined Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 in October 2018. He was a trained ecologist in Cape, savanna and forest ecosystems, sampling and experimental design, and statistical analysis and reporting. He completed his PhD at the 中国体育彩票 of Cape Town in 2003, and his research focused on population ecology and vegetation description, including formal floristic survey and analysis.?
