Keith Kirsten is a man of boundless passion for plants, people, animals and the environment, which has and continues to impact positively on many aspects of South African life. Keith's unquenchable desire to learn, experience and contribute to the greater good has led him on many, varied paths. A talented designer, Keith has won gold medals at the Stuttgart IGA show, the Chelsea Flower Show, and numerous other local and international awards.

A founder director and patron of Food and Trees for Africa, Kirsten’s support of industry initiatives is unconditional. He plays crucial roles in the Water Conservation and the national biodiversity institute (Kirstenbosch and six other national botanical gardens) and Botanical Society of Southern Africa, Peace Gardens, Arbor Week and the National Water Conservation Campaign. Together with Nelson Mandela, Kirsten is a patron of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and is actively involved in the “Working for Water” program in South Africa.