The hands-on initiative focused on planting, pruning, mulching and general upkeep, reinforcing the garden’s role as a shared space for engagement and the co-creation of knowledge.
Community participants included traditional African health practitioners from the Nyangazezizwe Traditional Healers Association and members of the Nelson Mandela Bay Traditional Leaders Organisation.
Their involvement added valuable indigenous knowledge on the medicinal uses and cultural significance of the plants.
University stakeholders involved in the planning and coordination included Dr Mea van Huyssteen from the Medical School, Nkosikona Dyifilli from Horticulture, and representatives from the Community Engagement Office, with the Horticulture Department team leading the technical aspects of planting, watering and mulching, supported by volunteers.
The planting component included a selection of indigenous medicinal species, such as Leonotis leonurus (wild dagga), Artemisia afra (African wormwood, umhlonyane), and Pelargonium sidoides, among others. Participants also engaged in discussions on different plant names and traditional uses, further reinforcing the garden’s role as a living educational and research resource.
This event highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and the co-creation of knowledge, with the Medicinal Garden continuing to grow as both a physical and intellectual platform for collaboration.