:: BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA

BirdLife South Africa, formerly known as the Southern African Ornithological Society has a 75-year history. For 65 of those years the Society existed largely for the benefit of recreational bird watchers and ornithologists. Membership services were provided through a half-day secretary and the Society’s two magazines (the scientific Ostrich and the popular Birding in Southern Africa) were largely produced on a voluntary basis.

A groundswell for change resulted in Dr Aldo Berruti being hired as the Society’s first professional Director in January 1996, to fulfill the membership’s desire for the Society to become actively involved in conservation and education programmes. Momentum built quickly, with the name change to BirdLife South Africa being adopted in March 1996. The BirdLife International Partnership and support from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds added impetus and the staff complement soon grew to four.

The Society was then housed in rented offices in Delta Park Environmental Centre, not so affectionately known as “the dungeon” because they were dark and cold. By 1997 it had become imperative to move to better and larger premises. The initial search was for other rented offices. It was soon realised that suitable commercial premises would place a heavy burden upon the already stretched finances of a growing organisation.

It was at this stage that Aldo approached the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation to ask for support through the purchase of a property. The trustees went to considerable lengths to gain an understanding of the Society’s background, finances, future plans and potential for conservation successes. After meetings and proposals, a grant of R350 000 was approved for the purchase of premises. Extensive searching eventually found

89 Republic Road in Ferndale. Although it was a residential property, alterations and renovations to convert it to suit BirdLife’s requirements would not be too extensive. There was, however, one major problem – the purchase price was R425 000. The Foundation’s trustees were given a tour of the property by Malcolm Drummond, then Chairman of BirdLife South Africa, and realised just how suitable it would be.
The additional expenditure was approved and purchase of the property was successfully concluded. Improvements to the property were completed and the move from Delta Park was made in February 1998. “Lewis House” was officially opened by Ken Lynch, Chairman of Trustees, at a function on 18 July 1998.

The decision to support BirdLife in such a way was far-sighted and has provided long-term benefits to the Society. Probably the most apparent are the immediate financial gains, with rental savings having already outstripped the original capital sum and a greatly strengthened balance sheet. However, the intangible advantages are at least as important. Ownership of its own “home” immediately created a sense of stability, permanence and success for the Society. This was particularly important at that time of transformation, when there were so many demands and pressures upon what was, effectively, a fledgling organisation.

BirdLife South Africa has grown from strength to strength over the past few years and has continued to receive generous support from the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation. BirdLife South Africa would like to feel that the trustees’ initial confidence in the Society has been amply justified.

Birdlife South Africa website: www.birdlife.org.za

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