FROM THE PRESIDENT. SABA FEEDBACK It has been a very busy kick off to the year and the 1st quarter has come and gone. The mini-Convention, hosted by BRAT in Gauteng at the end of November 2025, was a well organised and smooth event with excellent content as far as demonstrations and talks are concerned. It again showcased that our own South African bonsai artists does not have to stand back for their international counterparts! The AGM was also held during the convention with

by Liam O'Flaherty It was the photograph of the English elm in Harry Tomlinson’s book, The Complete book of Bonsai, that first introduced my fascination with autumn colour. Less seemed on offer in our temperate climate south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Certainly, in comparison to what appeared to be on offer, in this regard, in the northern hemisphere. Autumn colour, in my early bonsai collection, relied on the inconsistent, and somewhat unreliable, yellows that the Celtis tr

National SABA Convention – Johannesburg, 28–29 November by Viky Petermann I recently participated in the National SABA Convention in Johannesburg, and it was a delightful experience to be involved. The theme, “Road Trip Through South Africa,” was creative and excellently highlighted the remarkable diversity of trees and landscapes throughout our country. Over the course of two full days, the program guided us through various regions, climates, and styles, all expressed throug

CRAB (Cape Regional Association of Bonsai) We extend our congratulations to Willem Pretorius on being appointed as the new Chairperson of CRAB. Willem's expertise and commitment to the art of bonsai serve as a source of inspiration. We are certain that the Cape regional community will thrive under his leadership. Willem is also a long-time member of Boland Bonsai Kai.