World Environment Day: Celebrating the time of Nature

On the 5th June 2020 we celebrated the World Environment Day, with this year’s theme Time for nature. Celebrated internationally over 100 countries since 1974, the day seeks to increase the awareness of environmental protection. We spoke to some of our team members to find out how they planned to celebrate the day and what nature means to them, as we celebrate Mother Nature in a slightly different way this year. 

The entire world is on lockdown due to COVID-19. With the rising infection rate, everyone cannot enjoy the benefits of nature as openly and carefree as they used to. Instead of writing off this year’s World Environment Day, our team is committed to paying their dues to Mother Nature despite the current circumstances. 

We recognize the importance of taking care of the environment as we live in it.  As in the words of an iconic figure in history, Anne Frank, in The Diary of a Young Girl: 

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” 

Amidst all the uncertainty, this is what Anelisa Chiliza, who works in Community Development said: “When I think of nature, I think of all things natural–organic. I think of the beach, trees, how beautiful God’s creation is, the Mountains and fresh air in the morning that rejuvenates. This year I will celebrate and embrace World environment Day by admiring all the sunshine to be out and gardening.” 

Luca Auf der Heyde, who is part of the Rental Property team explained that nature meant tranquillity, sensitivity and balance.“ It is an instinctive source of calm that everybody needs at some stage of their lives to remain true to themselves. A walk-in nature hits the reset button on work and personal stress in my life better than anything else can.” 

“Natural ecosystems react so quickly to any input that unsettles them and is a metaphor to life in that respect. An example would be how certain flowers can only grow in small temperature bracket; how certain ocean animals need a very specific food type to survive. Any change to that system means that the tree or animal will not survive or will not grow to its maximum potential. I think the nature is the most precious element to life and without it we would easily lose touch with who we are as human beings.” 

Tandeka Bafo shared her views, from the Stakeholder Relations team saying nature symbolised love, peace and happiness: “it is deeply interwoven with my culture, where I get to pick impepho (sage) and use it occasionally. Mother Nature is a giver who just knows how to give no matter how we treat it. It is important that we take care of nature because it won’t be kind to us soon and the next generation might suffer.” 

While Michelle Matthee, from the Stakeholder Relations team shared about how she planned to celebrate the day, saying: “At the moment, while we are confined to our homes with limited freedoms, the beauty and solace of nature become a welcome reprieve in this chaos. We have seen the world start to heal and nature blossom as the word retreats in silence.

There is nothing more healing than being in nature; feeling fresh air on your face and grass between your toes; connecting with nature and take in all the wonders she bestows. To realize that we are so small next to the towering mountains and the roaring sea. To know that whoever made the splendor of nature, so too made me.” 

Let us embrace and pay homage to Mother Nature and in turn she will take care of us! 

Written by Nondumiso Makhunga, Fundraiser Admin Intern.