UKZN Durban Alumni Association Sets the Tone for the Year with AGM and Guest Speaker Address

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Durban Alumni Association commenced the year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), opened by Chair Mr Robin Ralfe.

Following the formal proceedings, Mr Ralfe introduced the guest speaker, Dr Elsa Pooley – renowned botanist, environmentalist, and botanical artist – who captivated the audience with reflections on her extraordinary career and her lifelong dedication to South Africa’s plant heritage.

Dr Pooley’s journey began across Johannesburg, Harare, and Pietermaritzburg, where she developed a strong interest in nature that shaped her life’s work. In the mid-1960s, she moved to the game reserves of Maputaland with her husband, Tony Pooley, before settling on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast in 1984. Her two decades in Zululand inspired extensive botanical research, including vegetation mapping, studies of Nyala antelope diets, and documentation of plant use by local Thonga communities. She also addressed environmental challenges, studying and controlling invasive plant species along the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia.

From 1990 to 2005, Pooley authored several field guides on the plants of KwaZulu-Natal, which have become widely used references for conservationists, gardeners and botanists. Since 2004, she has managed an indigenous landscaping business, leading projects in environmental management, invasive plant removal and vegetation rehabilitation. She served as a landscaping consultant for the Durban beachfront upgrade, working on areas from uShaka Marine World to Blue Lagoon Park while promoting the preservation of local ecosystems.

Beyond her scientific contributions, Pooley has painted botanical subjects since 1967 and has exhibited locally and internationally since 1973. She is a founding member of the Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa and received the Kirstenbosch Bronze Medal at the inaugural Kirstenbosch Botanical Art Exhibition in 2000. Her artwork reflects South African flora, combining scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation.

At the UKZN alumni AGM, Pooley spoke about connecting people with nature through indigenous landscaping, botanical tours and workshops. She emphasised that protecting and celebrating South Africa’s plant heritage is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through her research, artistry, and environmental work, Pooley continues to encourage new generations to explore and conserve the natural world.

The evening concluded with a networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to explore books for sale while enjoying refreshments and light snacks.

Words: Ayabulela Mbhele

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini