SABA Lifetime Achiever Awards

Proposed criteria and guidelines to qualify for the
SABA Lifetime Achievement Award

Carl Morrow
13 April 2026

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The online entry form is at https://forms.gle/v7GUwSxei7XPCxWBA

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To honour a South African bonsai artist with a SABA award, a structured and understandable system needs to be established. This will assure everyone in the community that the awards are a rare and prestigious honour. They will not necessarily be awarded annually, but only when a candidate of truly exceptional merit is identified. The integrity of the award is vital.

There appears to be little guidance provided by the SABA constitution apart from the objectives of
the organisation:
3.3. The objectives of SABA shall be:

3.3.1. To promote co-operation between South Africa Bonsai and associated arts and International Bonsai
organisations, irrespective of race, colour, creed or national origin for the purpose of improving the art and image
of bonsai.
3.3.2. To serve as the official accredited representative of members in matters of national and international
concerns and to nominate a person or persons to act as representative(s) of the Association.
3.3.3. To promote and provide information on bonsai through activities such as symposia, conventions,
demonstrations, workshops, newsletters, magazines and other meetings.
3.3.4. To be responsible for the definition, maintenance and implementation of bonsai policy for South Africa.
3.3.5. To honour the autonomy and undisturbed identity and authority, of all member clubs.

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We could consider two levels of award:

SABA appreciation award that recognises an individual who has promoted bonsai at a local or regional level and met the criteria stated below. SABA lifetime achievement award that recognises an individual who has demonstrated national and / or international impact, promoted bonsai art and met the criteria stated below.

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There would need to be some eligibility criteria that would have to be met by the candidate:
1. A member in good standing with a club that is a member in good standing of SABA or an individual SABA member who is in good standing with SABA.
2. A person to propose the candidate although a self-nomination can be accepted.
3. There is no application in the immediate previous round of awards.
4. A written bonsai CV with a portfolio of work showing where the candidate has met the characteristics written below. 

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An awards sub-committee appointed by the SABA EXCO would consider the following characteristics shown by the nominee:

1. Years of Dedication: A recommended guideline of 20 years of involvement in the bonsai community, demonstrating sustained commitment and passion for the art.
2. Artistic Excellence: Consistent creation of high-quality bonsai that exhibit exceptional skill and creativity through either adherence to traditional bonsai aesthetics or demonstrated innovation in design and interpretation of the art.
3. Educational Contributions: Significant efforts in teaching and mentoring bonsai artists through club, regional (appreciation award), national and international demonstrations and presentations, running courses, mentoring new artists, conducting workshops, writing articles, or publishing books on bonsai techniques and philosophy.
4. Community Service: Active participation in bonsai clubs and organizations, including holding leadership positions, organizing events, and volunteering time to promote the art of bonsai.
5. Innovation and Influence: Introduction of innovative techniques or styles that have influenced the bonsai community, both locally and internationally.
6. Recognition and Awards: Previous recognition through prizes at exhibitions or competitions and / or achievement awards from the communities they serve. This highlights the artists contributions and achievements in the field of bonsai.
7. Promotion of Bonsai Culture: Efforts to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of bonsai, including participation in cultural exchanges, collaborations, and public demonstrations.
8. Personal Integrity and Character: Demonstration of integrity, humility, and a positive influence within the bonsai community. Embodies the ethical, philosophical, and respectful spirit of bonsai and is widely respected by their peers for their integrity, generosity, and passion for the art form.

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The eligibility criteria need to be fulfilled while the characteristics should be viewed as a constellation of excellence that ensures the award recognizes people who have made a profound and lasting impact on the art of bonsai in South Africa. These characteristics are not a tick sheet
where the candidate needs to get more than a threshold percentage. The committee needs to apply their minds in a more flexible and inclusive, but accountable, way when reviewing the candidate.

Some other aspects for the committee to consider to encourage innovation, forward thinking and creativity in South African bonsai include:

1. Freedom to experiment: Allowing artists to explore unconventional techniques and styles without fear of criticism or rejection.

2. Recognition of risk-takers: Acknowledging and rewarding artists who take bold risks and push the boundaries of what is possible in bonsai.
3. Celebrating uniqueness: Honouring trees that exhibit distinct character, shape, or style, rather than simply adhering to traditional norms.
4. Fostering collaboration: Encouraging artists to share knowledge, ideas, and techniques, leading to a collective growth and advancement of the art form.

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​Committee Procedure:
          A. Applications are received by the nominated awards sub-committee secretary who checks that the four criteria for eligibility are fulfilled.
          B. All eligible applications are reviewed by the awards sub-committee and a feedback form is used to capture the committee’s decision on each candidate.
                      a. The committee will review all dossiers confidentially. 

b. The decision must be reached by unanimous or majority vote.
c. The committee reserves the right to not make an award in any given year if no nominee is deemed to have met the exceptional standard.
d. The application award level (SABA Appreciation or SABA Lifetime) can be changed by the committee if they consider the candidate’s application is more aligned with the level not applied for.

C. All the recommended and rejected applications must be submitted to the SABA EXCO (the ratifying body). The sub-committee may not withhold any applications.
D. If the candidate’s application is rejected, the sub-committee must give a written statement giving details of the reasons why the candidate did not succeed.
         a. The feedback form can be designed to capture details of the reasons why they did not succeed.

E. All the feedback forms are ratified by the SABA EXCO.
F. The President or a proxy will confidentially notify candidates chosen to receive awards and invite them to accept the award.
          a. If the candidate declines the award, their name will be removed from the list and remain confidential.

G. The Exco contacts the candidates and proposers with the outcome of their applications

         a. There is an appeal process if the candidate or proposer believes that the procedures have not been followed or if there is perceived bias.
        b. An appeal from the candidate or proposer must be received in writing within 14 days of being notified of the outcome.
        c. The appeal should contain a description of where the candidate or proposer thinks that the awards sub-committee made an error                  in their procedures or assessment. (an online form can be compiled for this)
       d. No new information may be added to the application.
        e. The EXCO will review the original application and the appeal and provide a written response within 30 days which will be considered            the final decision on the matter.
H. Candidates who have not been given an award will need to wait for a year before re-applying. In other words, they will be excluded for the next round of applications but they can apply in the following round.
I. A public announcement of the award recipients will be made at an appropriate time decided by the EXCO.