Chapter 1 - Green Revolution (The Beginning)

The purpose of this book is not to lay out a formula for climate change activists to grow their organisations or how one can revolutionize his or her life. There is no easy ten-step program to start your green revolution. Everyone’s path will be unique. And while we have done many amazing things right at Food & Trees for Africa so far, we also have experienced our share of act-now-and-figure-it-out-later moments. Nature is calling to be rescued, and there is no perfect equation for anything we are called to do, but it’s always exciting to pursue our destiny and leaving a better world behind for the generations to come.

The Beginning of A Green Revolution

It took me a while to realise where my passion lies. Did anyone realise that today I’ll be one of the climate change activists? I never had any idea what I was preaching will actually lead me to do what I    love and passionate about twenty years later. In Mbabane, Swaziland where I grew up we lived down the hill, facing the seasonal Gobholo river, and accross was this big mountain called Mdzimba. On top of the mountain stood 2 big rocks that shaped like a monkey sitting side to side. And beyond that mountain was a beautiful pine – tree forest which scatered down accross the neihbourhood. I used to walk up and down the hills; up the mountain and accross the deep man made green forest. As you move deeper into the forest, a small river flows down to the end of the forest. Along the river one could notice wild indigenous fruit trees such as “umfomfo, umnyamatsi, emantulwa, lokhwatsa, emanumbela” and many other species. One would stop and grab a handful of “umfomfo” fruits or any kind which is within a man’s reach. Sounds of different birds would be heard far and near. Under my feet was a mass of dry brown leaves that has changed colour over the years from green. I loved what I saw without knowing the road ahead of me.

“Wow, God really love his people.” I woud think, appreciating God’s creation that He (God) handed over to a man to manage. I’m reminded of a Sunday School song;

Everything in God we say,

Take your time and just look around

He made the mountains, He made the seas

Take your time and just look around

Look around, look around

                                    Take your time and just look around

This song is a great piece of music  to kick start your revolution: a clear mission that everyone believes in, people who will not stand while the planet is under threat, and leaders who are willing to lay down their lives to initiate change. We see examples of revolutions all throughout the history of the world and hear testimonies of the brave heroes who gave their lives for their cause. Think of Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Govan Mbeki but to name a few. These are some of the famous revolutionaries who dedicated their lives to change the face of their respective countries.

This book is about revolution. But this is a different kind of revolution – not one fueled by anger, violence, and revolt but one of compassion, love and service. This revolution has a clear mission to answer the “cries” of nature; “... the animals, insects, plants, rocks; and forces and processes that happen or exist independently of people, such as the weather, the sea, mountains, reproduction and growth.” Nature is calling for help! And this is a call to everyone; the poor, the hurting, the forgotten, and the rich and is made up to revolutionaries willing to lay down their lives to reach out and save Nature in their cities, in their nations and throughout the world. This is a revolution aimed at initiating change, but not overthrowing a government; this change comes by bringing healing to our troubled earth and by loving everything that live in it.

We call it a green revolution: a significant change in the course of history sparked by simple acts of kindness and sacrifices.

I cannot explain very clearly how God created this world. I said during one of my preachings in Grade 7 at the age of 15. I remember reading in the book of “Genesis chapter 1” in the bible when God created the heavens and the earth. Reading from “verse 3”, “‘Let there be light’, and there was light.” “Verse 4” “God saw that the light was good, and he seperated the light from the darkness.” “Verse 5” “God called light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day.”

I just want you to note how patiently God was as each day came out with new developments as He commanded. As you read down to “verse 25”, God appreciated the work of His WORD. Everything He created was proclaimed GOOD. Everything, God had made,  “... the animals, insects, plants, rocks; and forces and processes that happen or exist independently of people, such as the weather, the sea, mountains, reproduction and growth,” was good in His eyes. This was before man came to existence.

It is in “verse 26” that God decided to add value to the works of His power. This is when He said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

The creation of a man was very unique; it was different from the creation of Nature. We see God summoning His strong team; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Now you can see from this point that God was about to create a very important missing part of the earth; a man! A decision had to be taken, and He wanted His WHOLE to be present. He wanted to come up with something that represents Him, GOD. He wanted an image of Himself. That’s why He called His HIGHEST TEAM. He was about to create a man. And all was expected from a man was to manage God’s property, the universe. He had already created a position for a man long before he came to existence, “... Let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Announced God.

“verse 28”, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it...’” God emphasized it on the same verse, “... rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” As you read down to “verse 31” God confirms that, power and authority was given to man on earth over everything that existed. “... fill the earth and SUBDUE it.” sends a clear message how important man was to God, and everything He made was made for the benefit of man.

God handed over the universe to man to take care of it for his (man) own benefit. The purpose of this book is not to lay out a formula for climate change activists to grow their organisations or how one can revolutionize his or her life. There is no easy ten-step program to start your green revolution. Everyone’s path will be unique. And while we have done many amazing things right at Food & Trees for Africa so far, we also have experienced our share of act-now-and-figure-it-out-later moments. Nature is calling to be rescued, and there is no perfect equation for anything we are called to do, but it’s always exciting to pursue our destiny and leaving a better world behind for the generations to come.

My entry to green revolution was also one of the most humbling experiences of my life.I had just logged on to the Internet when I came accross Food & Trees for Africa’s website, www.trees.co.za. “This is a very interesting site.” I thought to myself. I scrolled down and realised that the organisation was in a mission; a mission to heal the earth. The organisation has been in existence for almost twenty years and it operated throughout South Africa. Where was the organisation based? In Johannesburg suburbs of Woodmead. I wanted to be part of this organisation; I wanted to join the revolution, not against the government but against man’s negative behaviour towards this planet.

In September 2009, I found myself in Food and Trees for Africa offices. I came as a volunteer and I was helping with administration work. I was introduced to many climate change activists; the Community Foresters. (These are dedicated men and women who love and care for the earth). They reach out to the community by a simple act of kindness of planting trees in low cost houses. They have so far planted 3.6 million trees accross South Africa. I was introduced to the permaculture Project Officers. These activists’ work is to heal the earth to produce healthy foods for human body. They promote awareness of healthy living, environmental issues, climate change and sustainable resource use, e.g. water, trees and waste. They motivate communities towards improved nutrition. I was also introduced to the founder of Food & Trees for Africa, Jeunesse Park who warmly welcomed me to the “green” family.

There were so many thoughts and dreams I had been trying to process. I didn’t have it all sorted out, but I wanted so badly to be able to explain what I was feeling in my heart the first time I was introduced to this magnificent woman, Jeunesse Park. So I sat quietly watching her going up and down the stairs speaking and interacting with everyone. Her smile was so broad and welcoming. She loves her work. She is a true green revolutionary. I thought to myself. It was one of those moments when you don’t even know what you want to say. You’re so full of dreams, ideas, and questions you can’t hold back, and like a dam bursting, the thoughts keep flowing. I saw her walked out of the office and in a moment she was gone.

I has just missed to speak to a woman who knows how to walk, live, eat, sleep and breath green. I hoped she would come back again. I was a coward. I should have approached her. I should have atleast requested for an appointment. It was so quiet in the office; every men and women focused on his or her work. The silence was deafening, and I began to replay all my great ideas and dreams in my head. Why didn’t I speak to her, why? Suddenly, I had that bad-dream feeling like I was standing in a spotlight at center of a House of Assemble during the opening of the parliament holding a horn of some animal. Oh, man. I don’t even want to imagine what Jeunesse could have responded if I had a chance of speaking to her about my dreams .

Then I stood up from my chair and went straight to the Permaculture Programme Manager, Marc Lewis. As I climbed up the steps, I noted a big poster of a woman I admired, Jeunesse Park. I quickly remembered that I have just gave up an opprtunity to speak to her. I quickly turned my face and proceeded to Marc’s office. “Yes Solomon?” He said. “Have a seat, and tell me what you want me to do for you.” He continued. He was a kind and a very calm gentleman.

Was I putting myself in a spotlite here? I asked myself. No ways. This man need to know what I am capable of. At first, I didn’t know what to say. So when I started to answer him, it all just spilled out. I couldn’t even understand myself. The man looked at me. The silence was deafening. Why didn’t I stop? I wished my wife Precious was with me. She could have stopped stopped me. Give me ‘the look’, kick my shin, pour her drink on me or anything.

After a minute eternity, he said, “Solomon, I can feel it that you want to do more in this organisation. Just stick around and an opportunity will open up.” That was not the answer I expected, but atleast I spoke to somebody. I hoped he would convey the message to the lady on top. And then,in his own kidding-but-not-really way he said, “Now get out there and arrest all polluters of the earth!” I took the words very seriously as I walked out of his office.

And that was that. I took a taxi home to structure a plan on how I could launch a green revolution, not because Marc told me to do so but he had helped me recognise what God had already put in my heart, and he had encouraged me to step out and do it. The only way I could start a green revolution was to stick around with Food & Trees for Africa. That one simple sentence of advise changed the course of my history. Looking back, it was one of the highlights that paved a way for my green revolution. I knew my mission, and I had my mandate.

I knew I had some enormous challenges ahead, but I was determined to succeed. South Africa is a country where most areas had been turned to deserts. Eleven soccer stadiums were being built for the 2010 world cup competition. How many species were destroyed? How many plants were uprooted; how many animals and insects were killed? How much pollution was caused?

Big roads and big massions were constructed around the country; millions of cars were manufactured year after year. Factories were in operation twenty four hours, seven days a week. Man was in a mission to destroy God’s property which he was entrusted to take care of. It’s a pity because we are living in the days where man is ignorant and full of pride. People don’t care how much they contribute to the destruction of the planet. The rich countries in the G8 who are the world’s leading polluters cares less about the protection of our planet. South Africa is one of the countries targeted by rich countries for businesses; and it’s the country with nearly every negative category: poverty, illiteracy, diseases, unemployment and unequality. More work is done in South Africa: which means more work, more pollution.

My first challenge came when we had to distribute 350 trees in Cosmo city township; northern township of Johannesburg in celebration of the International Day of Climate Action which was also celebrated internationally by all the organisations affiliated to 350.org.  That was 24 October 2009. Communities had been invited to collect their trees to the nearest school. To my surprise, the people who came were fewer than the number of trees that were to be distributed. What was going to happen with the rest of the trees if each member of the community is given one tree? Why were the people so reluctant to come out and take their trees which were given freely to them.

Now, that was a serious challenge; a challenge to get the community involved. An awareness had to be conducted. Everyone had to get on board. The issue of global warming was everyone’s issue. It has no colour nor race; it has no religious belief nor gender. It affects everyone; young and old; rich and poor, everyone!

I did the calculations and I figured out that, with the remaining trees we need at least seventy volunteers so that atleast the two hundreds remaining trees could be planted to the houses around. Each person was to plant atleast 2 to 3 trees in 2 homes. We had atleast enough volunteers who could do this work. We had learners from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy joining us. We were divided into groups of 5 and we all carried a tree or 2 to the nearest houses. We dug, we planted and sang together. It was a great fun. We couldn’t feel the scorching heat above our heads. The house owners watched us as we moved from house to house planting different species of trees. They could not offer any help and that pissed me off.

Ok.

I was so disappointed and discouraged by the people’s negative behaviour towards such a good initiative in their community. How was I going to change the mindset of our people, I thought as I drove with my colleagues back home after a long day of hardwork. My discouragement didn’t last long, though, because I remebered that Nature is calling to be rescued no matter how many people were interested to come on board. I didn’t care who was interested or who was not interested. I would not throw in the towel. I would only do my part and work with those who wanted to work.

I made a game plan for the week ahead that consisted of one major play: do whatever I can to help save the planet. It sounds simple enough, but where do you start with something like this? I sat on front of the computer. I logged in to the company server. I checked for the upcoming tree distribution events. I wanted to get involved. I wanted to know more about the organisation’s programmes, especially the Trees for Homes programme which is managed by Joanne Rolt. I decided to join those who were already involved in the fight against climate change. No matter how few they were but they were my role models; those were the FTFA Community Foresters. These were Edwin Makushu, Mookho Chaka, Emmanuel Sinthumule, Sipho Mathe, Calvin Mabelane and Lucky Xaba. These people were true green revolutionaries.

I was always overlooked by other Programme Managers when vacancies opened up, but one day the Trees for Homes Manager gave me an offer to prove myself in her department. It was almost 4 months I had been with the company. I started going out to the field with the green revolutionaries, I mean the Community Foresters; running community workshops, organising tree distributions and events; interacting and evaluating trees in the communities and capturing the moments on the lens. In one of our tree distribution events, I was asked by a community member to help an elderly to plant a tree in her house. She was very sick but had hope that if she gets well, one day she will sit under the tree in a very hot day enjoying the shade. That act gave me more courage. And soon one thing bagan leading to another.

Since I was a newcomer a t Food & Trees for Africa, there was nothing much I could do in the office. So I was sent frequently to the field with other Community Foresters. One day, it was only 10:00 a.m, Mookho Chaka and I were in one of the townships which falls under Tshwane Municipality, Olievenhoutbosch. We were there to mulch trees. Already more than three thousands trees were planted in this township both shade and fruit trees. We moved from one house to another delivering mulch with the Community Based Educators who worked closely with the Community Foresters. These are the unemployed members of the community who are enrolled in a day’s workshop. Food & Trees for Africa ensures that the community is well equiped with skills to look and care for the environment around them. So this one day workshop equips and empowers the community with related environmental and communication skills.  

While we were mulching trees we also took time to talk to the house owners. Just to findout how much information they had about the environment; the importance of trees; and about global warming.

Here’s what I discouvered. Each one of these house owners had something interesting to say about their environment and the global warming; and how they pushed the blame to the government.

“We need the government to ensure that this community is very clean. They just sit in parliament and squander all our tax. Look this place, it need people to pick all papers you seen on the street.” Said Mr. Nkhomeni Zondo, one of the house owners we talked to. This is a serious concern. Our people expects the government to even pick a piece of paper in their door steps. I couldn’t understand why, but for sure, Food & Trees for Africa had to work on an effective strategy to change our people’s mindset especially the blacks in our township.

Why were the people not mulching their trees? I asked myself because this is emphasized during the tree distributions and events. Funny answers were given by residents. “This grass invites mice to our houses, and they make too much dirt.” Said Mrs. Mkhwanazi.

Gugu Dladla said, “Where can I get the grass from? Unless our municipality can come up with their lawnmowers, it could make our work easier. The grass field that you see accross can atleast mulch fifty houses around.” This is crazy. I thought to myself. This people wants the government to do every little thing for them.

“Global warming are the problems we are facing in our community. The problems we are facing cause global warming, thus people are dying day after day.” Said Lobesuthu Mthombeni. Wow, did she know what she was talking about. Yes, global warming was a problem world wide, but what type of problems she was talking about here.

“Sewage in our area through leaking drains cause cause global warming. They make us sick and die from this global warming.” Said gogo Mhlanga.

“HIV/AIDS is global warming on its own. Nothing else.” Said Bhutana Mnisi.

“The Tsunami, the floods and too much heat happens because of this global warming.” Argued Ntombi Myeni who seemed to know something around the issue of global warming. “We plant trees to fight against global warming.” She said.

It was so exciting to get our people talking about the issues around global warming. Most houses had no space to plant even a single tree, let alone to make a food garden. Some yards had concrete all around their houses. Some had corruagetd structures around their yards. People were eager to get money; ofcourse most people were unemployed and those shake structures were a means of income for their families.

Through our house to house work we were able to reach out to the community; listen to their views and give advises; and explaining more about the issues they couldn’t understand related to the environment; and the issues of global warming. Wow, this work kept me talking all day long. I became more confident as I interacted with different kinds of people from all walks of life on a serious subject “green revolution”. I was sending a clear message to one person at a time. Our attitude as Community Foresters was “whatever, whenever.” I know that this kind of heart to generously work with the community is the perfect catalyst for a green revolution. Mahatma Ghandhi said this way: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

As I interacted with many more people, more residents started to appreciate the work we were doing as Food & Trees for Africa in their community. One day I came across a school principal who invited me to his school. The school had no single tree nor a garden. It was a dusty yard with only classroom containers. The school stood much risks against strong winds; heavy storms and rains. The kids had no where to hide against sunny summer days. We had a brief conversation with the principal and I promised him to use his school in some tree distributions and events yet to come.

For the next tree distribution event, I communicated with my comrade in green, Mookho Chaka to consider using the school as the venue. I was planning to giveaway a hundred trees for the school. Green revolution is about responding to any green-need of our community. We did as I promised. We used the school as the distribution venue and we planted a hundred trees. The principal was so excited and touched by our simple act of going green in his school. This act motivated him to initiate other greening projects such as food gardens in the school, which also encouraged other schools in the community of Olievenhoutbosch to get on board. Then it dawned on me: we could really reach a lot of people this way; working with schools and by speaking one on one to house owners. Sure enough, word got around and we ended up holding our tree distributions and events in most of the local schools. We interacted with educators and with Learners. We interacted with the working class and with the unemployed. We exchanged views with the elders and with the youth. Our voices were heard in every household; community centres; and accross the dry-black highway.

Food & Trees for Africa was on a mission. Our mission was simple. “Greenilize” the whole society. Each one pass the green message to another. The more we made ourselves visible, the more people in the community came up with ideas to impact their communities. One learner suggested that Food & Trees for Africa must make visits to schools to talk more about the greening of our communities and explain clearly about negative impact  of global warming.

The Community Foresters started do work around a programme of action in schools which was supposed to be presented to the Programme manager and to the management team for discussion. People were so excited for being noticed by the Community Foresters and Community Based Educators. We were also learning that whenever you find someting that meets an environment need and makes people excited about being involved in a fight against climate change, it is probably worth doing.

For over 20 years since Jeunesse Park founded Food & trees for Africa, she had partnered with many organisations and companies locally and internationally. With such partnerships, we were getting momentum in reaching our communities, and as a result, our green revolution was already making a huge difference in the forgetten communities.

A green revolution often requires innovation. This means thinking about who are much affected by global warming and who are willing to get on board? And get creative about getting more people to join the green revolution ship. I repeat this, everyone is affected. From the highest man in the Presidency to the lowest groundsman at Food & Trees for Africa. If we can focus our energies on simply meeting the needs of God’s creation. God will bless those who looks and cares for His creation.