The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is a public entity of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) under the National Government of South Africa.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has a broad mandate that is primarily derived from the NEMBA Act, but also from other legislation and processes over the past decade.
The mandate is to explore, reveal, celebrate and champion biodiversity for the benefit and enjoyment of all South Africans, which includes managing the National Botanical Gardens (NBG) as ‘windows’ to South Africa’s biodiversity for enjoyment and education.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute leads and coordinates research, and monitors and reports on the state of biodiversity in South Africa. It provides knowledge and information, gives planning and policy advice, and pilots best-practice management models in partnership with role-players and stakeholders.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute engages in ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation and leads the human capital development strategy of the sector.
Overseeing Department/Entity
Office Bearers/Management
Chairperson
- Prof Edward Nesamvuni
Deputy Chairperson
- Mrs Beryl Ferguson
Board Members
- Dr Reginald Legoabe
- Dr Lesley Luthuli
- Mr Leluma Matooane
- Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize
- Dr Pulane Molokwane
- Ms Lebogang Ralepeli (Company Secretary)
- Dr Mmaphaka Tau
Chief Executive Officer
- Mr Shonisani Munzhedzi
Chief Financial Officer
- Ms Maphefo Sedite
Chief Operations Officer
- Mr Elliot Mashile
Senior Management
- Dr Mandy Barnett (Chief Director: Adaptation Policy and Resourcing)
- Dr Theressa Frantz (Branch Head)
- Dr Tsepang Makholela (Chief Director: Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring)
- Mr Leslie Mudimeli (Chief Director: National Zoological Gardens)
- Mr Maano Netshiombo (Chief Director: Human Resources)
- Prof Ramagwai Sebola (Chief Director: Foundational Biodiversity Science)
- Mr Christopher Willis (Chief Director: National Botanical Gardens)
Communications Officers
- Ms Nontsikelelo Mpulo (Director: Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation)
- Ms Nthabiseng Sedibeng (Science Communication Officer)
- Ms Ednah Sekwakwa (Deputy Director: Marketing and Communication)
Contact Details
The contact details of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Pretoria |
| Postal Address: | Private Bag X101, Silverton, 0184 |
| Telephone: | 012 843 5000 |
| Email: | info@sanbi.org.za |
| Website: | www.sanbi.org |
