At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the campus grounds are no longer just lawns and pathways—they are living landscapes of creativity, sustainability, and innovation. At the heart of this transformation is Bathabile Ndlovu, a horticulturist in the Landscape Development and Management Unit of the Built Environment Department, whose vision is reshaping how students, staff, and visitors experience the campus.
Ndlovu is steadily breaking barriers in a field long dominated by men. Her leadership and technical expertise are redefining what it means to manage landscapes, proving that dedication, innovation, and knowledge matter far more than tradition. “Being a woman in this industry is not about competing with men,” she explains. “It is about showing that passion and skill can transform spaces in ways that inspire communities.”
Originally from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, Ndlovu brings a wealth of academic and practical knowledge to her role. She holds a B. Tech in Horticulture from Durban University of Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from MANCOSA, and a BSc Honours in Environmental Management from UNISA. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management at the University of the Witwatersrand. This combination of qualifications equips her with the technical, managerial, and strategic skills to design and oversee outdoor spaces that meet international standards of sustainability and functionality.
Her role at SMU extends far beyond planting trees or mowing lawns. She designs, develops, and maintains outdoor areas that are both beautiful and practical. Among her notable projects are the refurbishment of outdoor seating areas, which have been transformed from neglected corners into vibrant spaces for rest and reflection. She has overseen the installation of waste management cages across the campus, promoting environmental responsibility, and introduced propagation structures that allow the university to grow its own plants rather than rely on external suppliers. Her innovative irrigation systems address the ongoing challenge of water scarcity, ensuring that the campus remains lush and thriving even under tight resource constraints.
Ndlovu has a keen eye for potential in overlooked spaces. Under her guidance, forgotten corners have become green havens, and pathways and gardens now strike a careful balance between beauty and practicality. Every detail, she insists, must reflect both ecological responsibility and design excellence. “Landscaping is not just about plants,” she says. “It is about creating sustainable systems that serve people and the environment at the same time.”
Her vision stretches beyond the present. She is determined to leave behind landscapes that will inspire generations of students and staff to come. “Horticulture is not just about keeping the grass green,” she reflects. “It is about creating living spaces where people can breathe, think, and feel inspired. My dream is to leave behind landscapes that reflect care, creativity, and innovation for generations to come.”
Ndlovu is more than a horticulturist. She is a visionary whose work ensures that SMU’s outdoor environment reflects excellence and innovation at every turn. The flourishing gardens, revitalised seating areas, and sustainable systems now embedded in the campus are her living portfolio. Her work is not just transforming how SMU looks—it is changing how the university feels, creating a campus where environment and education unite to inspire excellence.
By Dimakatso Modise
