An initiative, which would be a huge challenge, was taken to utilise 150 casual Zivuseni workers to assist with backlogs from the December holidays. We knew it would not be easy integrating 150 people into our staff and managing them effectively. JBGMT (Johannesburg Botanic Garden Management Team) had to really strategise on how they could best be managed.

After three months of the project, I can safely say the project was a success. All 150 workers were managed very well, with only 5 lost through dismissals and quitting.

The amount of work done in three months was tremendous. We could cover backlogs and other projects which seemed almost impossible to achieve. The whole garden underwent a complete facelift which was years overdue. No more need be said about the garden´s general appearance as compliments and comments have been streaming in from all directions.

Here are some of the areas done. The JB managed to save over R350 000 in external contracting.