On Saturday, 22 August 2026, Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary & Lodge welcomed the Newman family, friends and supporters for a celebration of Kenneth Newman’s life and legacy. Marking 20 years since his passing, the event brought together art, birding and fundraising, while celebrating the launch of the Zaagkuilsdrift Conservation Foundation.
An exhibition of original Newman artworks and rare prints offered guests an opportunity to appreciate the birds he captured so beautifully. Alongside the exhibition, guests enjoyed refreshments, shared stories and took part in a charity auction supporting the Foundation’s work.
The Newman artworks raised R45,000, which has been reserved specifically for environmental education in the neighbouring Kgomo-Kgomo community. Additional auction contributions included R12,500 from donated ZEISS binoculars and R4,000 from a BirdLife South Africa auction lot, bringing these fundraising contributions to R61,500.
For the Newman family, supporting rural education was a meaningful way to continue Kenneth’s legacy. His work helped generations of people discover and identify birds. Now, his artwork will help create opportunities for children growing up beside the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain to discover the wildlife on their own doorstep.
The Foundation aims to introduce children to bird identification, wetland ecology and the value of caring for their local environment. Practical experiences, including guided outings and opportunities to explore birds through drawing and observation, can turn an unfamiliar bird into something a child recognises, understands and cares about.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Newman family for sharing Kenneth’s work and supporting this purpose, to ZEISS and BirdLife South Africa for their contributions, and to every guest who attended, purchased artwork or supported the auction.
The funds raised give the Foundation a valuable starting point for this education work. We look forward to sharing its progress with our clients and supporters as the programme develops.
Twenty years after his passing, Kenneth Newman’s birds are still opening people’s eyes to the natural world.
