Photo of one of Patrick Thwala beehives and his indigenous tree nursery
It is my pleasure to introduce myself as Patrick Thwala. I live at Nhlazatshe no 6 and am a young farmer in Elukwatini, Mpumalanga, where EarthLore works.
Throughout my childhood, I was passionate about bees. As a child, I spent countless hours observing their behaviour and learning about their critical role in pollination. This fascination eventually led me to become a beekeeper, where I could nurture and protect these incredible creatures while contributing to the environment.
I decided to transform my stony home garden into a thriving garden and a habitat for lizards and frogs, determined to prove that even the most unlikely spaces could bear fruit. With patience and creativity, I carefully placed the stones, enriched the soil, and selected plants that could thrive in these conditions. Over time, the garden flourished, becoming a testament to resilience and the power of determination.
I started keeping bees at my homestead, but due to the drought, they struggled to find enough food. This situation made me wonder what I should do to sustain them. I decided to grow a variety of flowers, crops, and trees that could blossom and provide nourishment for the bees. I also planned to construct a dam using unused materials and stones to ensure a steady water supply for both my garden and the bees.
In Julius Mkhonto, a woman named Sara Skulpad invited me to participate in an agroecology training and community dialogue that EarthLore facilitated. Their focus on agroecology farming practices and biodiversity conservation aligns with my own passion for environmental stewardship. Participating in these sessions has not only expanded my knowledge but also inspired me to take actionable steps towards a more sustainable future. The community dialogues foster collaboration and collective problem-solving, which is crucial in addressing the global climate crisis.
The indigenous trees and flowers I am propagating to save from extinction seem to be the same language as EarthLore is speaking. This realisation made me appreciate the interconnectedness of nature even more. Each plant I nurtured became part of a larger ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. It filled me with a sense of purpose and belonging, knowing I was contributing to the preservation of our natural world.
As the rainy season has approached, I have planted 48 different species of trees to create a better environment around the Mkhingoma mountain. These trees are sourced from my own nursery. I hope other members of the younger generation will join in and follow suit, participating in government initiatives to plant more trees. This collective effort not only enhances our environment but also contributes to improving soil fertility and building a thriving community.
