Blooming leadership: from humble beginnings to head of gardens

Sep 2024

Blooming leadership: from humble beginnings to head of gardens

Our award-winning gardens are more than just a botanical wonderland; they are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and leadership that have brought them to the forefront of horticultural excellence. At the heart of this success story is Abongile Majola, whose remarkable journey from a casual worker to the Head of Gardens is a tale of passion, growth, and exceptional leadership.

A humble beginning

Abongile’s journey at Brahman Hills began in 2019, not as a head gardener but as a casual worker tasked with building rock walls and garden features. His initial role might have been humble, but Abongile’s curiosity and passion for plants set him apart from the start. He was fascinated by the nuances of gardening and eager to learn more about planting techniques and plant varieties.

Recognising his enthusiasm, we encouraged him to pursue a formal gardening role. With a thirst for knowledge, he embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, diving into books gifted to him and applying his learnings to everyday tasks. His commitment didn’t go unnoticed—within a short time, he was sharing his newfound knowledge with his team and even attended several short courses to further hone his skills.

Stepping up during challenging times

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges while the gardens were being built, including a two-week period without a manager. Seeing a gap and sensing an opportunity to lead, Abongile stepped up to guide his team through this turbulent time. His proactive approach and effective leadership during this period earned him considerable respect and admiration from the our leadership team.

Recognition and promotion

Abongile’s dedication and ability to inspire his team led to his promotion to Head of Gardens in November 2022.Under his stewardship, our gardens achieved remarkable recognition, being named the Overseas Region Winner in the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year Competition in 2023. This accolade is a clear reflection of his exceptional work ethic and leadership.

“While the gardens were designed by the legendary Tim Steyn, it is Abongile and his team who have been essential in maintaining them. The award-winning gardens are a result of their unwavering commitment and daily efforts. This international recognition is a testament to their hard work.” Orrin Cottle, CEO.

Abongile believes that the beauty of these gardens – and any garden, for that matter – rests on four key principles. He says,
“I believe the beauty of a garden lies in its maintenance. We follow four simple principles that aspiring gardeners can also adopt in their own gardens.”

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Abongile’s principles for garden maintenance

Abongile attributes the success of the gardens to four core maintenance principles that aspiring gardeners can also adopt:

Irrigate regularly: Weekly irrigation is vital, with a focus on using grey water twice a week to keep the gardens lush and healthy.

Weed daily: To ensure a pristine appearance, weeds are removed daily. He suggests that even for home gardeners, regular weeding(at least once a week) is crucial.

Trim correctly: Proper trimming, done twice a week in summer and bi-weekly in winter, helps maintain the lawn’s beauty. The right blade height is essential for protecting the roots.

Prune regularly: Regular pruning, including weekly ‘deadheading’ in summer and a winter cutback, encourages healthy growth and keeps the garden looking its best.

Leadership and legacy

At Brahman Hills, the philosophy that“leadership is taken” resonates deeply with Abongile’s story. From the moment he joined the team, he embraced his role with purpose and passion, demonstrating the qualities of consciousness, courage, and vulnerability that define great leaders. His journey is not just about personal success but about setting a standard for others to follow.

We are proud of Abongile achievements and the remarkable transformation he has led. His story is a reminder of how dedication, curiosity, and leadership can turn even the most ambitious goals into reality. As the gardens continue to thrive under his guidance, there is no doubt that his influence will inspire future generations of gardeners and leaders alike.