ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015 - botanicalsociety.org.za Us/Annual Reports/BOTSOC ANNU… · most noteworthy feature of the Society is that it is supported and ... BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF

105SEPTEMBER 2015 | VELD & FLORA

“We are being made aware that the organisation of society on the principle of private profit, as well as public destruction, is leading both to the deformation of humanity by unregulated industrialism, and to the exhaustion of natural resources, and that a good deal of our material progress is a progress for which succeeding generations may have to pay dearly.”

T.S. Eliot

ANNUAL REPORT

2014 –2015

BOTANICAL SOCIE T Y OF SOUTH AFRICA

PIC 1 PIC 2

SEPTEMBER 2015 | VELD & FLORA


The Botanical Society of South Africa this year celebrated its 102nd birthday with the support of its 16 branches countrywide. This is indeed a remarkable record for a non-government, non-profit organisation governed by a volunteer Council body. The most noteworthy feature of the Society is that it is supported and exists solely because of volunteer members, branch committee members, Council members and standing committee members. Their dedication and tireless efforts make the BotSoc the successful organisation it is today.

My involvement with the BotSoc started in October 2013 when I availed myself for nomination to the BotSoc Council and later when I was elected chairperson of the Council, which I consider a privilege and honour. It is a pleasure to serve with my fellow Council members, and reassuring to know that the collective body offers the Society a much-needed range of skills and expertise on which I depend.

The strength of the Society is that we consider ourselves, as a collective of passionate members, key role-players in the custodianship of South Africa’s rich, indigenous floral heritage. This passion, engendered by our mandate, has lead to a wide variety of partnerships with conservation agencies, like-minded NGOs, businesses and private individuals. These partnerships, and the active engagement of our members, have strengthened the Society by enhancing much-needed awareness about our floral heritage and have enabled us to launch long-term monitoring and survey programmes. The launch of Your Place in the Kogelberg deserves a mention as this initiative illustrates the values that the Society brings to conservation. Congratulations to the Kogelberg Branch for this outstanding project. The efforts of CREW have been invaluable and it is heartening to receive constant reminders of the valuable roles that CREW – and the Society – play in the country’s efforts to protect and conserve national flora and important habitats.

The important role that the Society plays in the nation’s stewardship programmes, particularly within KwaZulu-Natal in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, has also been an important activity in the year under review. Here, BotSoc has played a significant role in identifying and implementing the inclusion of areas requiring protection by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Stewardship Programme. It is also extremely pleasing to see the continued expansion of our environmental education, training and outreach programmes, which are vital for the conservation of floral heritage.

I wish to commend the branches for engaging with their respective communities in projects that protect and restore important areas and also raise interest in Society membership. Under the leadership of Zaitoon Rabaney and with support from SANBI, the efforts by the Head Office to promote awareness of our flora in schools are also commendable. The Woolworths ‘Mad About Cycads’ bag initiative is an important awareness programme for cycads, drawing the public’s attention to the threats of plant-poaching from the wild.

An achievement of which we are all very proud is the Society’s collaboration with SANBI in coordinating and drafting the National Strategy for Plant Conservation. This document is ready for launch and is awaiting the signature of our Minister of Environmental Affairs. A key accolade accruing to BotSoc is the employment of two interns from the Groen Sebenza programme into contract positions servicing the CREW and Red Listing programmes.

Finally, the year under review brought in the much needed ‘Code of Good Practice’, which was accepted at a Special General Meeting held during March 2015, as well as revision - and updating of the terms of reference - of the various committees set in place by Council. Prof George Bredenkamp’s revision of the terms of reference for the Honours and Awards Committee is particularly noteworthy. I am pleased to confirm that the Botanical Society remains professional and steadfast in achieving its mandate, yet dynamic and able to respond decisively to new challenges and opportunities as and when they arise.

In closing, the rich history, achievements and traditional enthusiasm of the members and staff make BotSoc what it is today: a Society of which we all can be thoroughly proud.

Andrew BlackmoreChairperson of Council

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

2 BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015

Cover images, left to right: Kirstenbosch foreman Adonis Adonis with the Erica verticillata he rediscovered. Photo courtesy of SANBI; learners at the Happy Earth Festival in the KZN National Botanical Garden . Photo by KZN Inland Branch; Oxalis fergusoniae. Photo by Gavin Schafer.

102 years and going strong - what an achievement for the Botanical Society of South Africa. It should be stated and recorded that the magic of the BotSoc is firmly vested in its membership. We thank all of our members - past and present. A special tribute is offered to all the members involved in the CREW programme for making such a meaningful contribution by monitoring and surveying some of the most threatened plants in South Africa.

Growth in the membership is an important objective and goal, as is progressively diversifying the membership base. I would like us to be pragmatic about achieving increased inclusivity in terms of population demographics. Membership growth is influenced by numerous variables which, in turn, are dependent on political, economic, social, environmental and other factors. The Society is acutely aware of these realities and we constantly strive to ensure that our outreach and educational programmes focus on reaching the broader population. Our national botanical gardens, as windows to our national treasures and outdoor classrooms, should be made accessible to all youth by means of the outreach programmes.

We celebrate the achievements, successes and progress that the Society has made to date. Our 16 branches countrywide, established between the 1960s and the early part of the new century, provide us with a collective total of 409 years of branches

servicing the BotSoc, taking into account the number of years per branch, operating across the nine provinces and servicing now almost 10 national botanical gardens established over the past century by SANBI and its predecessors.

As custodians of South Africa’s indigenous floral heritage, we are proud to be associated with SANBI and other stakeholders, in drafting the National Strategy for Plant Conservation for South Africa as a country obligation under the Convention of Biological Diversity and the global targets for plant conservation. This is an ongoing output until 2020 and we are committed to continuing our role in this important output for the country under SANBI and Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) mandates. Another exciting venture is the BotSoc collaboration with SANBI and DEA in the National Management Strategy and Action Plan for Cycads. For example, some cycad species are rarer than the Black Rhino and BotSoc will be funding the micro-dotting of the four Encephalartos species that are most at threat in Gauteng, KZN, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The BotSoc is also raising awareness of the plight of cycads through initiatives such as the Bags4Good project with Woolworths. Ongoing awareness-raising will be maintained through regular articles on cycads in Veld & Flora.

A special note of thanks is extended to the executive and board of the South African National Biodiversity Institute for their

ongoing support of the Memorandum of Agreement between our two organisations. We are celebrating over 100 years of public/private partnership, which is a rare and special thing. We thank all our donors, supporters, partners and members in achieving our successes over the past reporting period and look forward to another great year ahead – together.

Zaitoon RabaneyExecutive Director


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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Generosity is giving more than

you can, and pride is taking less than

you need.” Kahlil Gibran

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015 3

Branch Established Province SANBI garden

Albany 2002 Eastern Cape Kwalera 13

Algoa 2002 Eastern Cape - 13

Bankenveld 1983 Gauteng Walter Sisulu 32

Cederberg 2002 Northern Cape Hantam 13

Free State 1969 Free State Free state 46

Garden Route 1992 Southern Cape – 23

Kirstenbosch 1985 Western Cape Kirstenbosch 30

Kogelberg 1985 Western Cape Harold Porter 30

KZN Coastal 1986 KwaZulu-Natal – 29

KZN Inland 1970 KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg 45

Limpopo 2002 Limpopo in process 13

Lowveld 1971 Mpumalanga Nelspruit 44

Pretoria 1992 Gauteng Pretoria 23

Southern Overberg 1985 Southern Cape – 30

West Coast 2003 Western Cape – 12

Winelands 2002 Western Cape – 13

Years of operation



108

Report from the Council of the Botanical Society of South Africa

1. Who we are

The mission of the Botanical Society of SA is to win the hearts and minds and material support of individuals and organisations wherever they may be for the conservation, cultivation, wise use and study of the indigenous vegetation of southern Africa.

The work of the Society is aligned under the following pillars:

CREW - Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflower programme This initiative is amply supported by BotSoc volunteers and:

• Monitors and surveys the most threatened plant species • Undertakes field trips to collect field data • Inputs directly into the Red Listing of SA plant species

National Strategy for Plant Conservation (NSPC)

A collaboration to support the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) with the drafting of the national strategy for plant conservation for South Africa.

BotSoc is coordinating this project with SANBI.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) workshop

This is in partnership with WESSA where workshops are presented to members and interested individuals on the process of Environmental impact assessments.

BotSoc partially subsidizes these workshops.

Cycad conservation

BotSoc is collaborating and funding some of the strategic activities regarding cycad conservation such as micro dotting of the most threatened species in four provinces

Work in this area includes ongoing awareness and communication about cycad conservation and the threats to this iconic species.

Stewardship work in the Maputo-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot (MPAH) in KZN

BotSoc is working with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in securing more hectares into the protected areas network dealing with private and communal land owners.

The work has been funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the past three years with an extension granted funded by BotSoc.

Groen Sebenza (GS) programme

This programme supports unemployed graduates and matriculants through National Treasury funding to be placed within host institutions. The following conditions apply:

• Host institution to commit match funding.

• Host institution to commit to the upskilling and training of the individuals to become meaningfully employed in the conservation sector.

• Host institution to offer employment for a minimum period of 12 months post the programme.

BotSoc currently employs two graduates to continue work as junior scientists with the support of the CREW programme and the Red Listing work under SANBI.

Field training opportunities for CPUT nature conservation students

This programme is a three year programme and is in its first year supporting the nature conservation students. Students are:

• Granted opportunities to experience real-time field work which is course related.

• Supplied with resources to enhance the learning experience.

CONSERVATION

Groen Sebenza training, Eastern Cape 2014. Photo by C Browne.Kirstenbosch the outdoor classroom; learning about energy cycles during Biodiversity Week 2015. Photo by C Browne.



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MEMBERSHIP AND OPERATIONS

Membership Recruitment and Retention

This is an ongoing function of the Head office staff that covers the following areas:

• Retention and support

• Heritage Circle tea parties with members nationwide

• Support to branches around the country

• Levy, newsletter, talks, outings, walks

• SANBI garden support projects/programmes

• Better communications with newsletters from head office

• Facebook, Twitter

• Online Botanical magazine

• Various activities in partnership with SANBI nationally on

marketing and awareness of the BotSoc and the National

Botanical Gardens

• Radio interviews

• Newsprint articles

SANBI greening schools

A national outreach programme implemented by SANBI and funded by the BotSoc greening schools in rural areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Outreach programmes

• School garden/education support • Resource material support posters and field guides • Eskom young scientist expo • GBCSA my green home support • University of Western Cape and Free State University Botany

students • Branch publications and other support • Pretoria branch partnership with Kwalata Nature reserve in

support of environmental education for the Hammanskraal nursery school community

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) project in support of nature conservation students

• Supporting nature conservation students with outdoor field work training experiences

• Field work and excursions to places such as nature reserves, educational facilities, national botanical gardens, etc.

• Supporting the nature conservation department with botanical resources such as field guides, posters, Veld & Flora magazines and other publications of interest

• Serving on the advisory board of CPUT dealing with the nature conservation programme.

• Direct inputs and linkages with the CREW programme in terms of plant related subjects and projects.

FY2015 YTD

S1015%

S092%

S1117%

S0125%

S0241%

Right: Members of the Society are drawn from across the country. The graphs offer a visual snapshot of membership numbers and growth over the past four years.

Explanatory notes to the above diagram: This pie chart indicates the percentage of the different paying categories of membership. S01– Ordinary membership; S02 – Family; S11– Senior single; S10 – Senior couple; S09 – Student.The ideal is to grow the membership numbers in the S01 and S02 categories in terms of membership income and ensuring an ongoing stream of funds to fund the full operations of the BotSoc. It is important to note that the categories S09, S10 and S11 are subsidised categories which enjoy all the benefits.The categories S01 and S02 subsidise the aforementioned categories. The recruitment strategies focus on the S01 and the S02 categories in terms of financial sustainability of the membership operations. The categories S10 and S11 will have a focus on encouraging the awareness of the Society’s activities, programmes and the Heritage circle as the majority of donations is received from the members in these categories.




The Society draws on the resources of people, passion and partnerships in pursuance of its objectives. While this is illustrated in all projects with which it is engaged, the following case study aims to provide a snapshot of this philosophy in action.

The CPUT programme is a partnership between BotSoc and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is supported by funding from BotSoc funds and a BotSoc member. This three year initiative focuses on: Providing lecturing and field training to second and third year Nature Conservation students of CPUT.

The overall outcomes and impacts of the programme:1. Contribute to biodiversity management through the application

of knowledge of the composition, structure and dynamic functioning of the natural environment.

2. Apply conservation principles, policies and legislation to manage biodiversity and mitigate anthropogenic (relating to or resulting from the influence that humans have on the natural world) impacts.

3. Interact effectively with communities, and other stakeholders, in order to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.

4. Assist with, and make use of, monitoring and research to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.

Baseline analysis and overview:The partnership objectives aim to improve skills such as academic literacy, numerical literacy, interpretive skills as well as field based skills by utilising resources and skills of the two parties in a complimentary manner. The involvement of BotSoc is intended to enhance communication and field-based skills. The focus is especially on those students that require extra support in this regard because of limited opportunities and/or weak communication skills.

It is important to note that the project is in line with the overallmission of the BotSoc, as well as BotSoc objectives, which focuson the awareness, environmental education, research andwise use of South Africa’s indigenous flora. Various departmentsand public entities in the South African government have identifiedscarce skills within the biodiversity conservation sector - as well asa host of opportunities that can upskill our workforce, therebyallowing them to engage meaningfully with the conservationsector - to assist with the attainment of provincial, national andglobal targets.

The assumption is that the intervention will apply to 2nd- and 3rd- year students only, as 1st-year students still have to prove themselves by advancing to 2nd-year. A further assumption is that the interventions will have desired effects on the learnings of all of the students on the programme with the inputs of the project.

Various interventions are applied which assist the students to improve their communications skills sets as well as exposing students to field trips. These interventions are part of the monitoring and are monitored at various stages of the programme.

.

As a strategic partner of SANBI, BotSoc supports the Threatened Species Programme through funding and various levels of support offered to the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) initiative; the National Strategy for Plant Conservation; and, the draft National Management Strategy and Action Plan for Cycads. BotSoc also employs graduates in support of the Red Listing programme and CREW.

As a voluntary, membership-based organisation – with a focus on biodiversity conservation, environmental education and outreach – collaboration and partnerships with other like-minded organisations makes good sense. The niche for the Society is its focus on indigenous plant conservation activities. Membership subscription income is the Society’s mainstay. This income stream fully supports the administration and operation of membership service activities. The biodiversity conservation, environmental education and outreach programmes and activities require external funding over and above membership income. The collaborative effort referred to above provides the income streams to support these types of activities.

Sustainability of any activity is a real challenge and demands prudent decision-making especially to support the activities related to conservation and education.

The membership of the Society is always a key focus area. Ongoing recruitment, retention and renewal activities are part of our strategic plan. Nurturing of the BotSoc membership and sustained communication strategies are part of the BotSoc’s core activities. In this regard we salute and acknowledge the role of our volunteer branch committees on a national level. The functions of these committees are centred upon continuous member engagement with walks, talks, outings and newsletters to the members.

All activities, including support to the volunteer branch committees, are managed, overseen and subsidised from the head office, with the core head office staff lending administrative support at all levels. The head office is managed by the Executive Director who reports on a quarterly basis to the Council of the Society.

2. How we work

3. BotSoc in action: a case study of the CPUT partnership


CPUT students on a visit to Kirstenbosch. Photo by S Geerts.


• Receiving a bequest totalling R3 million to be employed in the enactment of our objectives;

• The drafting of the National Strategy for Plant Conservation for South Africa in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and other stakeholders;

• A growing national awareness of the Society on an ongoing basis through various channels and activities, including: inputs from other bodies and organisations; through the online Botanical magazine; activations by SANBI at various malls, events and forums; queries from non-members following radio interviews and other media platforms; and, our new membership numbers are growing;

• A Code of Good Practice drafted and introduced by the Council for acceptance by its members;

• Strong activity in branches like Kogelberg Branch which published a book on biodiversity conservation and the Pretoria branch which supported the design of a nature colouring-in book for pre-schoolers in the Hammanskraal region with the support of a member/donor;

• Branch convention September 2014 which focused on financial and governance matters with branch chairmen and treasurers in attendance;

• The fundraising activities in partnership with the Woolworths Good Business Journey programme, Bags for Good initiative, by selling our ‘plant bags’ in stores nation wide;

• The funding/donations to the CREW programme making it possible to employ two graduates to assist with the Red Listing programme and provide ongoing support to the CREW programme;

• Co-option of members to the BotSoc Council with a varied skills set in support of collective decision-making and support of good governance and fiduciary responsibilities;

• The assessment to date and impacts of the programme with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in support of the Nature Conservation students; and,

• The staff complement remaining unchanged and the passion of the staff.

4. Highlights from the past year


Branch convention 2014 at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Kwalata-Pretoria Branch colouring-in book being handed out to pre-schoolers.

Signing the BotSoc-CPUT MoA, from left: Zaitoon Rabaney, Prof Joseph Kioko and Dr Chris Nhlapo.

Strategy for Plant Conservation document.



112

The constitution of the BotSoc endows the Council with the power to take full responsibility for the management of the operations of the Society. The Council employs and empowers the Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations through a vicarious relationship with the mandates and delegated authorities in place vested with the Executive Director.

The Council meets on a quarterly basis and operates with standing committees, chaired by various members of the Council, meeting independently to deal with matters as per the various terms of

reference for the various standing committees. These discussions and decisions of standing committees are brought before the Council for ratification. Memberships to the standing committees are ratified by the Council.

Council met four times the past year, and had an annual general meeting with one special general meeting at the end of the financial year. Various standing committee meetings were held with executive committee meetings held by teleconference and by email-meeting communications.

We would like to thank our outgoing members of Council at the end of September 2014; immediate past treasurer, Ena McIntyre who was also nominated for the BotSoc Honorary Life membership award, Mike Harper, previous chairperson of Council, and Michael Lawrence. During this period Frank Webb resigned from Council and Lee Le Roux was co-opted.

Sincere thanks are given to each and every member of BotSoc staff for your loyal and passionate dedication in enacting the mission and objectives of the Botanical Society and in service to our members. Gratitude is expressed to our current members of Council for their leadership and guidance as well as the members of the various standing committees.

Our thanks go to our donors – including those who wish to remain anonymous, our partners, SANBI Board, executive management and

staff and our members. Our special gratitude goes to Woolworths in support of the BotSoc CREW programme for creating an amazing awareness and fundraising for the direct support of the programme. Your ongoing support of the Botanical Society is much appreciated.

If you want to be more involved in the activities of BotSoc, please consider:

• Making a bequest to the BotSoc and become a member of the Heritage circle

• Purchasing a CREW/CYCAD bag from your local Woolworths in support of preserving our most precious wild flower heritage!

• Giving a gift membership or encourage others to join the BotSoc family.

5. Governance

6. Thanks and ways to support

BotSoc Members of CouncilProf George Bredenkamp (President 2017)Prof Richard Cowling (Vice Chair 2017)Dr Farieda Khan (2017)Mr Rupert Koopman (2015)Ms Zaitoon Rabaney (Executive Director)

BotSoc Honorary Life membersMrs J AlbertynProf G BredenkampMr J LathamMrs D MalanDr B McKenzieDr E MollDr E G H OliverDr J RourkeMrs E van der Merwe

BotSoc BenefactorsMrs L BaumannThe Moore Family TrustMr I F Reddihough

BotSoc PatronsDr G HollmanMrs V RossMrs H CollettDr P G S NeethlingMrs R Ellison

Mrs G AttwellMiss L du PreezProf O A M LewisMrs Ena McIntyreAdv A MeiringMrs A NunnMrs J OnderstallMrs M SilberbauerMrs J Yeats

Mr C HeatlieMrs E ParkerMrs J Unsgaard

Dr F BussonMrs S SoutheyMr T SatakeMr H WhitbreadMrs D Rockerfeller

Mr Andrew Blackmore (Chairman 2016)Mr Wim van Zyl (Treasurer 2015 co-opted)Dr Lee Le Roux (2015 co-opted)Mr Jeffrey Manuel (2015)


International Biodiversity Day, Kirstenbosch, 2014. Photo by S Hey.


113

Post celebrating its Centenary during the 2013_14 financial period, clear support for the optimism and growth envisaged for the Society for its second 100 years is evidenced in the current reporting period. Characterised by a significant surge in membership subscriptions, the momentum generated during the 2013-14 financial period has been maintained and resulted in an exceptional year. Strong, disciplined and focused forward-looking management under the hand of Executive Director (ED) Zaitoon Rabaney underpinned the hugely encouraging results. Once again, the support of a solid and growing membership; a conscientious and committed team; solid branches; and, flourishing partner relationships, have proved their worth. The efficacy of this ‘package’ is evidenced in a suite of new and ongoing projects more fully articulated in the ED’s report.

Securing external funding – for the fourth consecutive year, the creative and focused endeavours of the Executive Director with regards to defined strategic objectives and outcomes garnered solid funds inflow. In this context, the exceptionally lucrative Woolworths partnership CREW bags project stands out. The funds inflow together with a very significant bequest from a member necessitated a review of our Investment portfolio. This task was assigned to the newly

established Finance Audit and Risk committee. After consultation and deliberation the decision was made to enlist professional input. The outcome was a decision to convert our share portfolio from a passive to a managed portfolio. The decision was approved and ratified by Council. The portfolio was accordingly professionally repositioned and is managed by Investec. The immediate outcome resulted in a significant gain on disposals disclosed in the Income Statement in the current financial period and a downward adjustment in the Revaluation Reserve.

Membership stability and growth is the lifeblood of the Society. Hence membership nurturing remains vital to future planning and the ED’s overall strategic direction. The effects of the past year’s membership gains are reflected in the year-end results.

Economic factors will remain a challenge into the future, as will ensuring the provision of adequate resources to run the society productively and effectively in the face of the inescapable increasing costs of running the organisation and effectively. During the 2014/15 financial period the head office team threw themselves into the task with their firmly established high standards and dedication

Financial report

Consolidated accounts for period 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.


Resources given to CPUT and others. Members’ tea at Moyo, Kirstenbosch, March 2015. Photo by C Browne.



maintaining membership stability and sustained growth. The income results are self-evident. On the expense side, price escalation in every sphere of activity demanded even more of our now traditional firm cost controls, contributing to the savings against budget.

The combination of stringent financial discipline and impressive membership gains again enabled the Society to make a significant allocation from current general funds to long-term strategic conservation reserves. During the current reporting period, overall consolidated income has been reduced accordingly to align with the Society’s long-term strategic objectives to cover the envisaged project allocations until 2018. This movement is disclosed via the Income Statement in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards.

Veld & Flora maintained its outstanding standards securing its position as a valuable and informative membership benefit. Both advertising and subscription income lagged budget for the current year and need close monitoring into the future. Veld & Flora has been the only NGO magazine to hold its own in the conservation arena. For this reason the long-term survival of the magazine must remain firmly on the Society’s strategic agenda. With limited opportunities for generating income via advertising and subscriptions the journal depends on subsidisation from membership subscription income.

The BotSoc Wildflower Guides’ sales improved significantly during the year in tandem with the launch of the new Namaqualand Guide and increased membership. Outreach donations of wildflower guides, combined with improved sales, significantly reduced stock levels. A major funds outflow was the Society’s contribution

to Struik for the printing of the new Namaqualand Guide. While it is clear that quality books will always have a place, we have to bear in mind that technology advances at breakneck speed and our upcoming generations are ‘born’ technology literate. These are our future members and we need to be acutely aware of this fact and position ourselves to cater for their needs.

Technology – embracing and investing in this incredible resource has proven to be a very wise decision. Our focus on the youth on our website continues to produce results and the site’s popularity is escalating. A significant innovation is the charming new online Botanical Magazine, which has already triggered a significant following. Ongoing investment in the broad spectrum of internet technology can only benefit the Society into the future.

Partners and relationships: The Society’s tiny staff component, in contrast to other players in the conservation field makes very specific demands on the ED. The circumstances demand compassionate leadership and focusing on forging and cementing creative, smart and productive partnerships. Maintaining an exciting and relevant organisation remains a top priority. Our Society’s specific flora conservation niche demands collective creativity with regard to appropriate projects and activities to retain our foothold in a technology-based environment. Our ED has over the past five years in the position proven beyond any doubt her exceptional creativity, networking flair and making and maintaining solid and productive connections. These qualities contributed significantly to bolstering both her profile and that of the Society, in the national conservation arena.


As a strategic partner of SANBI, BotSoc supports national conservation efforts through funding and various levels of support offered to the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) initiative.

Left: Mahlatse Mogale working in the Richtersveld.


115

Accumulated Funds

Branch Reserves

Revaluation Surplus

Life Members Fund

Memorial Funds

Partnership Fund (SANBI)

Conservation & Education

Branch Project Funds

Wildflower Guides

Heritage

National Programmes

Centenary and Strategic Planning Fund

Small Branch Outreach Fund

Membership Subscription Income

Funding Income

Investments

Donations & Bequests

Life Memberships

Surpluses on Sales/Fundraising

TOTAL INCOME

Administration

Transfers to funds

Veld & Flora

Employment Costs

Branch Operating Costs

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COSTS

2014

5 188 982

2 940 420

3 961 399

1 061 743

48 594

2 519 804

3 955 087

363 345

783 372

1 804 898

2 172 576

1 633 750

–

26 433 970

2014

4 314 902

3 538 274

164 537

3 032 868

13 816

327 053

7 853 176

2014

808 075

681 887

763 557

1 754 738

452 249

4 460 506

Consolidated Capital Employed for the year ended 31 March 2015

Consolidated Income for the year ended 31 March 2015

Consolidated Membership Services Costs for the year ended 31 March 2015

2015

7 449 373

3 510 427

2 830 790

1 093 630

51 479

2 806 481

5 593 287

150 943

591 908

4 867 280

2 043 004

853 903

100 000

31 942 505

2015

5 077 833

6 267 885

178 538

5 640 100

31 887

417 360

11 345 718

2015

906 734

907 490

860 058

1 989 558

549 717

5 213 557

Botanical Society of SA - Consolidated Financial SummariesFinancial Year ended 31 March 2015

This report was prepared by Treasurer, Wim van Zyl, and Ena McIntyre, member of Finance Audit and Risk committee, on behalf of Council


Documents

ANNUAL REPORT 2014–2015 - botanicalsociety.org.za Us/Annual Reports/BOTSOC ANNU… · most noteworthy feature of the Society is that it is supported and ... BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF