South African Bonsai Association
The South African Bonsai Association (SABA) was established to act as the official representative of member clubs in matters of national concern. The Association also promotes liaison and co-operation between affiliated bonsai clubs nationally for the purpose of improving the art and image of bonsai. The Association is affiliated to the African Bonsai Association. Bonsai in South Africa is very active with some 700 members country wide, with new clubs being established all the time.
African Bonsai Association
The African Bonsai Association (ABA) is an organisation which represents the interests of all bonsai enthusiasts and growers in all African countries and not just those of South Africa. This complies with the requirements of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF) to which ABA is affiliated. The WBFF is dedicated to the promotion of world peace through the cultural outreach and exchange possible with the art and practice of bonsai.
SABA Executive Committee Members
Name: Duncan Wiles
Position: President
Cellphone: 082 554 5488
I have been doing bonsai for more than twenty five years and my hobby has now become my occupation and passion. I am a member of a number of clubs locally and have served on the executive of most of them. Bonsai has given me so much pleasure that I have spent many hours experimenting in feeds, growing methods, new potential materials, designing using digital cameras and computers, teaching, holding workshops and putting on shows/displays.
I have my own Bonsai School and hold regular courses and workshops. I have done numerous demonstrations and workshops at clubs, regional and national level. I have given many talks on bonsai to gardening clubs, Rotary clubs, nurseries, educational institutes and to the nation on radio. I have had the opportunity to visit numerous bonsai growers in England, Germany, Belgium and China. My recent visit to China however has been the highlight of my bonsai career.
Name: Craig May
Position: Vice President
Cellphone: 084 589 4588
My introduction to the art of bonsai started with a birthday present from my parents in 1989. I grew trees initially with the aid of books, and joined Shibui Bonsai Kai in 1994. My favourite tree species are Wild Olive and Pines.
The highlight of my bonsai career was a trip to Japan in 2003 which was sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. As part of the trip we visited Mansei-en in Omiya Bonsai Village, where we met with Saburo Kato. The bonsai trees in the nursery were a sight to behold, not to mention the honour of sitting around a fire discussing bonsai via our translator.
I am dedicated to the art of bonsai, and would like to encourage everyone, especially the younger members (in terms of bonsai years) to get more involved, and learn more about the art.
Name: Chris Joyce
Position: Treasurer
Cellphone: 083 307 9503
I started bonsai in 1985 when I bought a copy of Doug Hall's book.
My wife happened to mention that I was keen on bonsai to a fellow teacher. This lady's husband was a member of EBS and he invited me to go along to a meeting. That is when I realised that you cannot learn the art from books. The pictures are nice and the text although explanatory, is not the same as interaction with people who practice the art. These folks are a pleasant and helpful bunch, who are only too keen to assist as well as taking an interest in one's progress.
I have made a lot of new and good friends in the bonsai community for which I will be ever grateful.
Name: Carroll Hermann
Position: SABA e-Zine editor
I have always had a bonsai of some sorts from when I can remember. My favourite trees are definitely Baobabs and I have all eight species – all grown from seed. I am not artistic at all and try and emulate nature in styling my trees. I am humbled by the ability of all the South African Masters I have met and have been privileged to observe. When I witness the transformation of a stick into a bonsai master piece, I am more determined than ever to do something similar, but it normally ends up no different to what it started out as. That said, after almost 20 years (and nothing amazing to show for it) it does not diminish my passion and love for Bonsai!
I get immense satisfaction from growing trees from seed and have only recently discovered the joys of digging! You will often find one of my family members up a tree for that one and only seedpod that is a must-have. I love forests and cascades and I am a member (and secretary) of the newly found Fish Eagle Bonsai club in Zululand.
I am doing my Masters in Clinical Psychology this year and I have 3 boys, aged 12, 9 and 7. They have all inherited my passion for growing trees and hopefully their children will enjoy the benefit of my baobab collection.