The African Legacy story
Inspired by Nature
What started in Johannesburg in 2015 with a handful of dreamers and a shoestring budget has blossomed into something extraordinary. African Legacy, now a registered non-profit, began with a simple vision: transform Morningside's forgotten spaces into thriving wildlife sanctuaries.
Our first mission? Creating nature's own highway through Johannesburg's suburban streets. We started by reclaiming roadside gardens, replacing invasive alien plants with indigenous beauties to forge a green corridor for our local wildlife. As bees buzzed and butterflies danced along these new pathways, we knew we were onto something special.
But we didn't stop there. When Ernest Ullmann Park called, we answered, joining forces with 'Friends of Sandspruit' to tackle our biggest challenge yet. Where invasive plants once choked the riverbanks, hundreds of new indigenous trees and shrubs now cast cool shade over weekend Park Runs and family picnics. What was once overgrown and overlooked has become a vibrant community hub, proving that when nature thrives, people do too.
Today, our dedicated committee, volunteers, and donors continue this vital work, united by a single purpose: bringing Johannesburg's wild heart back to life, one garden at a time.
So, why the focus on the Eastern Cape
Sometimes life's biggest turns come when we least expect them. As the world slowed down during Covid, our communities drew closer and our priorities shifted into sharper focus. With our children's future in our hearts, the call of Kenton-on-Sea became irresistible - a chance to create a lasting legacy in a place where land meets sea.
Now we're diving deep into a new challenge: getting to know the coastal invaders that threaten this pristine landscape. It's like learning a whole new language - different plants, different challenges, but the same vital mission. While the task ahead is massive, we're tackling it one plant at a time, guided by the knowledge that every invasive removed brings us closer to preserving this paradise for generations to come..
Want to meet the team?
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."
William James