By Olwethu Wessels
It began as a simple idea between two enthusiastic and optimistic women — geography lecturer Philippa Irvine and Honours student Sonwabise Zothimba — and has grown into a community movement that’s breathing new life into one of Makhanda’s oldest landmarks, the Makana Botanical Gardens, fondly known as Bots.
The spark started when Zothimba, who has a background of environmental science from her undergraduate studies, joined the Rhodes Geography Department to explore cultural geography for her postgraduate research. She met Irvine, a human geographer whose research looks at gardens as cultural and historical expressions, and who who has a deep interest in heritage spaces. “It was a good combination,” says Irvine. “We’re both passionate about this. The Bots are such a valuable space in town and have so much more potential.”
Friends of Bots is born
What began as an academic project soon turned into a grassroots initiative aimed at restoring and reimagining the gardens. “The whole idea of this research is that it must have an impact,” says Irvine. “We didn’t want to just publish a paper and move on. The question was: what are we going to do with this information? Are we going to just let it sit, or are we going to do something?”
That “something” happened almost overnight. Within days of sharing the idea, a WhatsApp group was formed, and more than 180 people joined in less than a week. “It showed how much people care,” says Zothimba. “People want to get involved. They’re saying, ‘How can I help?’ Whether it’s cleaning up, planting, improving security, or organising events, there’s good energy in this town.”
The community momentum grew from the researchers’ initial survey, conducted to understand how people experience the gardens. What they discovered was clear: people love the Bots. “People appreciate it in different ways,” says Zothimba. “Many shared special memories or described how they use it to relax, study, or spend time with family and friends. There were also concerns that the gardens could be better maintained, safer, and more active. But mostly, people wanted to be part of something that helps make Bots better.”
For Irvine, the feedback reflected something deeper about public spaces. “Green spaces are so valuable,” she says. “They’re places to connect with nature, to socialize, and to simply ‘touch grass,’ as people say. I often walk through Bots on a Saturday and see people picnicking, chatting, walking dogs, it makes my heart warm. That easy, relaxed sense of community is what makes the place so special.”
A space steeped in history
The Makana Botanical Gardens were established in 1853, making them the second oldest botanical gardens in South Africa. Originally created as a recreational, educational, and scientific space, the gardens have been managed by Rhodes University under a lease since 2004. Parts of the gardens are even protected as heritage monuments.
For Irvine, it’s also about collaboration. “Rhodes manages a public asset, but the gardens belong to everyone,” she says. “Friends of Bots is about Rhodes supporting the community, and the community supporting Rhodes. It’s a reciprocal relationship.”
For Zothimba, the vision goes beyond just maintenance. “If we look at the history of Bots, it once played a big educational role. We’d like to see that return — workshops, botany practicals, cultural events. The more people use the space, the more it builds that sense of shared responsibility.”
Beyond the grassy classroom
Irvine connects this initiative to her other project, Verge of Change, which also focuses on community collaboration for improving urban spaces. “Both are about getting involved,” she says. “If you want to make something happen, you need to work with others. You can’t do it alone.”
To both women, Bots holds deep meaning. “Gardens are cultural expressions,” says Irvine. “They tell stories about who we are and what we value. Bots has over 150 years of history, it reflects our town’s identity. It’s more than grass and plants — it’s memories, experiences, and a shared sense of belonging. We can build on those memories and bring new life into the gardens,” she says. Zothimba adds, “Things like markets, music events, or educational workshops, they can all bring colour and vibrancy back to the space.”
Making research matter
When asked what keeps her motivated, Irvine says, “I grew up in a home where my mom was involved in community work, so it’s something I’ve always believed in. Geography studies real-world problems, so it’s natural to turn that into real world change. The city is my laboratory. When I take students outside, I see how our town itself becomes a classroom.”
Both researchers believe Makhanda’s greatest strength is its people. “You don’t need big money to make change,” says Irvine. “Just people who care and are willing to show up. That’s how potholes get fixed, how clean-ups happen, through community.”
Zothimba was amazed by the spirit of the people of Makhanda through the survey. “Over 270 people took part,” she says. “I didn’t expect that at all. It made me feel like I belong to something. That’s what keeps me going, knowing people care.”
They both appreciate Bots. Irvine loves the peaceful energy, “the birds, the greenery, even a simple braai under the trees”. Zothimba enjoys spending quiet hours there with a book. “It’s calming,” she says.
If not us, who?
Looking ahead, they both imagine a space full of colour, energy and connection. “I want to see something that stimulates the senses, a safe, inviting place for everyone,” says Zothimba. “Something vibrant, alive, and full of stories,” adds Irvine.
Their message to those who want to help is simple: show up. “You don’t have to be a leader,” Irvine laughs. “Just come, pick up litter, plant something, meet people. You’ll find your place.” Zothimba agrees, “Students shouldn’t feel pressured to commit all the time. Come when you can, it’s a space that welcomes everyone.”
“If not us, who?” Irvine asks. Friends of Bots knows the answer. It’s us.
To join the conversation on WhatsApp, follow this link:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fo9yiTV3bKBEwCqUdp79GH?mode=wwt
