Kay Montgomery - Blog

Kay Montgomery was diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer – Stage 4 – during a routine ultrasound for gall stones on 21 June 2025. Having been a gardening journalist and magazine editor for decades, Kay’s instinct is to regard this event as just another project upon which to report.

This blog offers observations on entering the strange new world of hospitals and cancer. It aims to be a light-hearted view of a very serious issue. And may it update all the many friends, colleagues and acquaintances – who are genuinely concerned for my wellbeing – on the progression and status of the journey.

Update: Kay sadly passed away on Thursday the 24th July 2025.

All

About Kay Montgomery

Kay Montgomery has a master’s degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and spent three years as a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences. Kay left academia to pursue a career as a magazine editor, newspaper columnist and biodiversity communications consultant.
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  • Independent Newspapers:  Weekly columnist – Weekend Argus and Saturday Star (1990-2020)
  • Primedia Publishing:  Editor-in-chief – Environmental Management, South African Gardening, Tuin Paleis, Leading Architecture, DIY Trade News & Home Handyman. (1990-2008)
  • Caxton Magazines:  SA Garden and Home (1986-1991)
  • Invasive Species South Africa (1999-2025):  www.invasives.org.za
  • Working for Water:  Green Industries Invasive Species Advocacy Project (1999-2022).
  • Water Wise:  Rand Water’s water conservation campaign (1994-2025).
  • Working for Fire:  Firewise your landscape (2009-2010).
  • CapeNature:  Save the Fynbos Fish – Invasive Fish Advocacy (2010-2012).
  • Africa Forest Communicators Network – UN FAO (2012-2025).
  • Urban Baboon Programme: City of Cape Town (2012-2022).
  • Eco-Furniture Programme: SANParks Biodiversity Social Projects (2012-2017)
  • South African National Biodiversity Institute – Kirstenbosch (SANBI) (2007-2011).
  • South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) (2011-2025).
  • South African Nursery Association EXCO (SANA) (2012-2025).
  • Global Forest Communicators Network – Supported by United Nations FAO – (2012-2025).
  • Western Cape Invasive Alien Animal Forum (2009 – 2025).
  • KwaZulu-Natal Invasive Species Forum (2009 – 2019).
  • National Cactus Working Group (2012- 2025).
  • Africa Corps – Climate Reality Leadership Programme (2014-2025).
  • South African Freelance Journalists Association (SAFREA) (2010-2025)

Kay is an online social media & web content media specialist, advocacy campaign & conflict manager in the biodiversity sector.

Experience

As the link between the private sector and government, Invasive Species South Africa (ISSA) is responsible for all biodiversity advocacy related to invasive species in South Africa.

  • Facebook page: Invasive Species in South Africa
  • Facebook page: Cape Town Invasive Species
  • Facebook page: Mbombela Invasives
  • Website: www.invasives.org.za


As the link between the private sector and government, Invasive Species South Africa (ISSA) is responsible for all biodiversity advocacy related to invasive species in South Africa.

The website offers all you need to know about plants and animals, aquatic and terrestrial Invasive Species in South Africa. Extensive fact sheets, videos and news.

Wordlink Media is a leading biodiversity communications consultancy in South Africa with a specialisation in community and social conflict resolution relating to invasive species, natural resources, wildlife and biodiversity. 

We are experts in rolling out biodiversity communications campaigns through the entire range of online, electronic and print media and specialize in reputation management for leaders operating in the biodiversity, natural resources and environmental sectors.

As experienced communicators, educators, trainers, campaign managers and online marketers for controversial environmental issues, we manage Social Media for networked groups across Africa on behalf of campaigns, businesses and organisations such as the United Nations Africa Forest Network and Environmental Programmes, Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa.

Project manager for the Africa Forest Communicators Network: 96 members in 24 African countries. Supported by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (UN FAO), Kay served on the international communications team for Mediterranean Forest Week (Morocco, Lebanon), Asia Pacific Forest Week (Indonesia, Phillipines), XIV World Forestry Congress (Durban, 2015), XV World Forestry Congress (Seoul, 2022).

City of Cape Town – Urban Baboon Programme

The Cape Peninsula is home to over several hundred baboons who live in 17 troops, 11 of which live alongside suburban areas. Managing stakeholder communication – relating to the social conflict that takes place between baboons and residents of baboon-affected-suburbs – on behalf of the Urban Baboon Programme – is an important component of the work.

City of Cape Town – Invasive Species Unit 

Invasive species pose a huge challenge for the fynbos biome and our communications advocacy involves communicating information relating to invasive species to the trade and public in the City of Cape Town.

  • Gardening Editor @ Saturday Star (Johannesburg’s daily newspaper) 1990 – 2020
  • Gardening Editor @ Weekend Argus (Cape Town’s daily newspaper). 1990 – 2020

Life is a Garden – South African Nursery Association

Gardening marketing campaign for the South African Nursery Association.

Editor: South African Gardening Magazine – Primedia Publishing

Over a two decade career in magazines, Kay Montgomery served as Editor or Editor-in-Chief of the following magazines: Garden Guide, South African Gardening, Home Handyman, DIY Trade News, Environmental Management (EM), Environmental Planning and Management (EPM), Progressive Retailing and Leading Architecture.

Note:  Since 1990, Kay Montgomery has been the working pen name for Barbara Tucker (nee Cox)