The Stellenbosch University (SU) community is in mourning following the tragic death of Dr Donovan “Don” Kirkwood, esteemed curator of the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG). Dr Kirkwood died on Tuesday after a fatal fall during a conservation field trip in the Jonkershoek Mountains.
He had been working alongside colleagues from CapeNature and international collaborators from Cambridge University on conservation efforts for Penaea formosa, a critically endangered plant species unique to the Cape Floristic Region.
A Scientist and Conservation Leader
Dr Kirkwood, who joined SU in October 2018, was a trained ecologist and botanist with expertise across Cape, savanna, and forest ecosystems. He was widely admired for his scientific rigor and unwavering commitment to protecting South Africa’s most threatened flora.
“Donovan was one of a kind – a passionate conservationist and educator, a beloved colleague, and a visionary leader,” said Hein Swanepoel, Senior Director of SUNCOM and Dr Kirkwood’s line manager.
Ms Anita Nel, Chief Director of Innovation and Commercialisation at SU, added: “He pursued the conservation of near-extinct species with extraordinary commitment. His work elevated the SUBG to a global benchmark for academic botanical gardens.”
Transforming the Botanical Garden
Under Dr Kirkwood’s leadership, the SUBG evolved from a scenic space into a dynamic hub for conservation and research. He spearheaded projects focused on fynbos and renosterveld species, including critical work on rare Marasmodes plants.
He was also instrumental in restoring the historic layout of the garden and launched the James and Shirley Sherwood Botanical Art Collection, a project that combined conservation, art, and public engagement.
Fondly Remembered
Professors Léanne Dreyer and Nox Makunga from SU’s Department of Botany and Zoology described him as “enigmatic, colourful, and kind, with an immense passion for the natural world. Even in his final moments, he was doing what he loved most.”
Nel echoed this sentiment, noting that Dr Kirkwood’s legacy extended beyond his scientific work: “He touched thousands of lives – both botanical and human. Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden will remain a living monument to his life, vision, and enduring impact.”
A Life Dedicated to Science and Nature
Dr Kirkwood earned his PhD from the University of Cape Town in 2003, focusing on ecology and conservation. His academic career spanned population ecology, floristic surveys, sampling design, and statistical analysis, establishing him as one of South Africa’s leading botanical voices.
The university has requested privacy for Dr Kirkwood’s family as they grieve their loss.
For those who knew him, the Botanical Garden he shaped will remain a lasting symbol of his passion, dedication, and vision for conservation in South Africa.
