The UKZN Durban Alumni Association commenced the year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), warmly welcomed by Chairman 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 deep love for nature that would shape 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 focused on environmental challenges, studying and controlling invasive plant species along the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia.
From 1990 to 2005, Dr. Pooley authored influential field guides on KwaZulu-Natal plants, now essential references for conservationists, gardeners, and botanists alike. Since 2004, she has run an indigenous landscaping business, leading projects in environmental management, invasive plant removal, and vegetation rehabilitation. Notably, she served as a landscaping consultant for the Durban Beachfront upgrade, transforming areas from uShaka Marine World to Blue Lagoon Park while preserving local ecosystems.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Pooley has been painting plants since 1967, exhibiting 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 captures the delicate beauty of South African flora, merging science and art in a uniquely inspiring way.
At the UKZN DAA AGM, Dr. Pooley shared her passion for connecting people with nature through indigenous landscaping, botanical tours, and workshops. Her message resonated strongly with alumni: protecting and celebrating South Africa’s plant heritage is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Through her research, artistry, and environmental work, Dr. Elsa Pooley continues to inspire new generations to explore, conserve, and cherish 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
Photography: Sethu Dlamini
