Anneri Senecal Appointed Curator of Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden

Having grown up in Tabazimbi, Limpopo province, Senecal showed an early interest in nature. Although she initially studied music, she later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biodiversity and Ecology from Stellenbosch University.

Her fascination with plants emerged during her undergraduate studies, leading her to an internship at the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden in 2020. In 2023, she was appointed assistant curator. Since then, she has been involved in developing endangered habitat exhibitions, creating satellite collections to support plant conservation, and expanding the botanical art collection documenting threatened plant species.

Vision for the Garden's Future

Senecal emphasized that her appointment is the culmination of a journey that began as an intern at the garden. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop SUBG's legacy and increase its influence. Recognizing the significance of this achievement, Senecal expressed hope that such appointments will eventually cease to be exceptional. She stated: 'It is an honour to be part of the Garden's history, but I hope we reach a point where such appointments are no longer seen as milestones. My hope is that it becomes completely ordinary for a curator over time to be a woman, a person of colour, or someone from historically underrepresented groups.'

Senecal's plans include strengthening the garden's role in nature conservation, research, and education. The garden is finalizing a five-year strategy aimed at expanding collaboration, increasing conservation satellite collections, supporting applied research, and ensuring the botanical garden remains a welcoming public space where people can appreciate plants. Located in the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden plays a crucial role in protecting rare plant species, supporting scientific inquiry, teaching, and public education.