Singita_Magazine_Perspective

perspective

volume 2

contents

welcome note

inspiration the art of perspective

crafted by the collective

a bird is a bird is a bird

the delta from all angles

experience human touch a long and winding road

the final frontier

wisdom conservation’s unexpected ally and the elephant spoke to have

welcome

How we look at the world shapes not only what we see,

but also how we feel.

Even the smallest shift

can open new possibilities,

quietly rewriting what we know to be true.

In this volume of the Singita magazine,

we explore the concept of perspective.

Each story invites a new understanding – of nature,

ourselves, and the world around us.

We hope you enjoy, The people of Singita

inspir

ration

inspiration

the art

of perspective

South African soul singer

Bongeziwe Mabandla

muses on moments spent

at Boulders and Ebony

Previous spread In looking, we learn to see the world in new ways. Above Bongeziwe’s music explores the fundamental themes of our lives. Following spread Inspiration is a thousand ways to tell a story.

inspiration

“i think an artist like me, who’s very much influenced by culture and heritage,

especially from an african context, has to have a big appreciation of the land, the environment,

and where they come from

and i think being out in the world and seeing what i would call the ‘circle of life’ does make you think about some really big and deep subjects – life and death, child and mother

these themes are fundamental to our lives

we even see them in the world

through time in nature and looking at life through the animals and everything else

in the world around me,

i learn and observe a lot,

and get to understand a lot about myself

this is how i access deeper parts of myself”

BONGEZIWE MABANDLA

inspiration

the more you look

the more you see

crafted

by

Serengeti House’s redesign embodies the power that comes from creating in community, and the impact this has

on a space’s sense of place and peace

the

collective

inspiration

It’s customary for us to update our spaces, to ensure they’re representative of our continuous evolution and of who we are as a community. Each is unique, but all are the culmination of collective effort and creativity – living, breathing entities, consciously created. While the designs periodically change, their individual character remains intact, the updates simply nudging them into a new chapter. Every project has its own trajectory, and the full picture of its final impact isn’t always completely clear from the outset. As Serengeti House’s redesign softly unfolded, it became apparent that this incarnation would leave its makers,

and inhabitants, emotionally moved, as well as physically embraced. Described by Creative Director Georgie Pennington as the ‘gentlest’ of our properties, its legacy emerged as a space that comforts and welcomes. In the inclusive spirit of this home, and the communal process that gave rise to it, various members of the wider team look back on their experience, from our in-house design team to trusted suppliers, and the invaluable people who made the end result a reality. These include long- time collaborator Sidai and Ambrose Manga, a relatively new member of the Singita Grumeti team who was hands-on throughout the installation.

Previous spread Inspired entirely by the setting, Serengeti House’s design fosters an atmosphere of ease. Left Nature-led design merges indoor spaces with the surroundings to create a feeling of being at one with them. Above Celebrating all aspects of the environment, the home’s various artworks (this one by Sidai Designs) honour wild spaces, as well as daily life in Africa.

A tapestry of natural textures brings the outdoors in.

A golden thread of softness – in texture and palette – creates a cocooning effect.

inspiration

a space

that

comforts

and

welcomes

Ambrose Rweganwa Manga, Groundskeeper, Singita Grumeti: I participated in the process of setting up Serengeti House with Franco, Georgie, Emma and Sacha – and my involvement in the project made me feel valuable. They were fun to work with and taught me a lot. Doing this, I gained knowledge that I didn’t have before. The entire process was interesting, and spending time with the team has increased my skills. All the results and improvements of the project made me feel important and made me learn – from one thing to another. Rebecca Moore, Director, Sidai Designs: Collaborating with Singita is always an immersive experience rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision. Working on the piece for this project was both a dream and a challenge, pushing us creatively and technically. To say the team was proud would be an understatement. Families came in to see the piece, countless photos were taken, and there was

a shared sense of joy and accomplishment in what we had created together. For the women involved, who quite literally embroidered their lives into the canvas, it became more than a design – but a reflection of identity, community, and memory. Sacha Pagani, Project Design Manager, Singita Style & Design: Sharing a design with an external party can feel quite vulnerable. And it’s surprising to discover how enthusiastic and supportive studios, suppliers, and manufacturers can be when presented with a brief that deviates from their usual work. The completion of any project often evokes a whirlwind of emotions, leading many to feel the need to take a step back after being so immersed in a particular vision for an extended period. However, with Serengeti House, the experience was distinctly different; it radiated a sense of tranquillity and contentment. This space embodies the warmth and familiarity that one associates with a true home.

Right A home where warmth is the overwhelming feeling, Serengeti House was crafted with love, and this pervades throughout.

under different light

lives a different day

inspiration

a bird

is a bird

is a bird

How the words we use

shape what we mean – and understand

inspiration

Bucorvus leadbeateri Class: Aves. Order: Bucerotiformes. Family: Bucorvidae.

Movement: Mostly terrestrial. Forages in groups, combing the bush for food. Can fly but non-migratory. Diet: Mostly carnivorous. Uses bill to dig and kill prey (invertebrates, reptiles, rodents, and amphibians). Has been known to eat tortoises, hares, and snakes. Life cycle: 30–50 years in the wild, up to 70 in captivity. Matures around 8 years. Juveniles dependent for 2–3 years and 70% of chicks don’t make adulthood. Reproduction: Slow and infrequent. Females lay 1–2 eggs every 3–9 years when wet season starts. 40–45-day incubation period. Siblicide common as the older chick outcompetes the younger for food. Builds nests in tree cavities above ground. Predators: Few, barring leopards and crocodiles, and humans. Apex. Conservation status: Listed as vulnerable globally. Endangered across southernmost Africa. Many conservation initiatives in place.

Description: Largest hornbill species. Average length, 90–130 cm. Weight, 3.5–5 kg. Wingspan, 1.2–1.8 m. Long legs and toes. Sharp bill with low ridge at base, which amplifies calls. Red face. Black plumage. White wing tips. Pale-yellow eyes. Females’ wattle marked with a dark purple-blue patch. Juvenile plumage is greyish-brown. Habitat and distribution: Grassland and savannah biomes across eastern and central Sub-Saharan Africa. Prefers large trees for nesting and open ground for foraging. Occupies ranges of about 100–250 km². Sociability: Cooperative breeder. Lives in groups of 2–11: dominant breeding pair and younger, mostly males, who defend territory and help raise young. Often forms feeding groups with species like baboons and impala.

inspiration

Southern Ground-Hornbill See those birds perched on that dead leadwood? Those are southern ground hornbills. We’re lucky to see them in the wild, there aren’t many left. Less than a thousand in Kruger. They don’t have many natural predators. Crocs. Leopards, maybe. Their low numbers are mostly due to habitat loss, and they breed too slowly to keep up. Listen to them calling. That deep boom, kind of like a hoot, or a heartbeat. That’s them letting us know we’re on their turf. Either they’re nesting in that tree, or just saying, “Good morning.” Sometimes, when it’s quiet enough, you can hear them from a few kilometres away. Magnificent. So striking against the white, white bark of the tree. You know, for me personally, lions and buffaloes and elephants and giraffes and all the classic species we tend to associate with safaris are fantastic, and it’s always a privilege to see them, but there’s something special about a sighting like this. One thing you realise the more time you spend in the bush, is that everything is worth paying attention to. The more you look, the more you see. And the more you see, the more you appreciate. Shall we stay a little while longer?

Nghututu Does it have a different name in the local language? In Shangaan, we call it Nghututu. Nghututu? Nghututu. What does that mean? It’s just a name. It’s what we call it. It’s a lovely- sounding word. Yes, but it goes by many names. Like what? Southern ground hornbill. In Afrikaans, they call it a Bromvoël. In Zulu, iNsingizi. There are many examples. In Tswana, it’s Lehututu. That’s quite similar. Yes, it’s similar. What about in those other cultures, does it have any kind of significance? In some places, yes. In some cultures. Can you tell me about that? I can tell you some stories, but you know, for me, a bird is a bird is a bird. It doesn’t matter what you call it. It’s right here in front of us. If we just watch it, it will tell us a lot. Is it an important species? It’s a beautiful bird, and very rare. Very endangered. We want to protect it, but that’s because here, we want to protect everything. The plants, the insects, the birds, the big game, even the soil. It all means something to us. It’s all an important part of the ecosystem. Nothing would be the same without it.

micro details of nature

often mirror the landscape

inspiration

the delta

The Okavango is a landscape

unlike any other

from all angles

inspiration

An alluvial fan, or inland delta,

composed of a myriad of islands,

islets, channels,

and permanent,

seasonal swamps

Looking up The Delta supports countless forms of life. Plants and trees abound. From reeds and papyrus to the lala palms that punctuate the skyline, its beauty is matched only by its diversity. If you don’t look up, you might miss it – things are forever in motion here. Fungus grows overnight, monkeys jump from tree to tree, birdlife migrates.

inspiration

The essence of nature,

forever in flow,

it’s never static, fluctuating in size from season to season

Looking down The vastness of this landscape, its sense of space, is truly felt. The Delta is dynamic in the most literal sense. Its channels and riverbeds shift with the floods, widening and narrowing respectively. In the drier months, its waters recede. Paradoxically, given the landscape’s inherent impermanence, imprints from an antelope or lion in the river sand remain carefully preserved much longer here.

inspiration

inspiration

Looking in Lush vegetation and densely reed-lined waterways offer a refuge for animals and birds of all kinds – to retreat, rest, lie in wait. The more you look, the more you see. The micro details of the Delta often mirror its landscape. The veins on a lily pad or leaf are an intricate web of tributaries not unlike its network of channels.

inspiration

A place whose majesty has made it almost mythical at once ancient, yet

ever evolving

Looking across The Delta features a variety of landscapes, a different universe at each level, from the floodplains at your feet to the tree canopy in your eyeline. At ground level, numerous islands, ranging in size and origin, some formed by termite mounds and others by fault lines, create the foundation. These are surrounded by permanent and seasonal swamps and floodplains that ebb and flow – a source of life.

exper

rience

even the smallest shift

can open new possibilities

human

experience

touch

The acts of care that craft a stay with us,

some unseen, are the work of many hands

experience

From the heart, via the hands: Our chefs – from sous to head, chef de partie to pastry, and those still in training – man their stations and lovingly prepare menus each day. Mise en place is assembled hours before, calmly in its place, ready to decorate every dish. Plates leave the pass meticulously arranged, every garnish placed with purpose. Every mouthful you enjoy takes careful preparation and precision by busy hands behind the scenes. Healing touch: Inspired by ancient wisdom and time-honoured techniques, our wellness treatments seek to restore a sense of self rather than simply to relax. Inspired by the elements and plants, they create a profound sense of place, grounding you in your surroundings. Through intuitive hands, slow and mindful movements, and remedies drawn from nature, the body is invited to soften, the mind to still. There is no need for words here – touch is the only language necessary.

Behind every part of your stay are the people who make it. Design is crafted weeks and months, even years before you arrive. Lanterns are lit conscientiously each day at dusk, bread is kneaded and baked before a meal. These gestures add meaning and heart to every moment. Most carried out unseen – seamlessly and self-effacingly – by our teams, they are the conscious acts of care that curate and elevate an experience. The personal touches that leave an imprint, even if invisible to the eye. refreshing scrub infused by nature. Dusty from the drive, or tired from the journey, the act is both a symbolic and literal welcome into our world. An acknowledgement of appreciation and respect, the handwashing ritual is embedded – in Africa and around the world – as a societal and cultural, as well as a physical gesture. An invitation in: Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a handwashing ritual with a

Previous spread At the heart of the experience is service that’s considered and sincere. Above In the kitchen, it’s touch that transforms ingredients into gestures of care, turning food into a language you feel before you taste. Right The many handcrafted pieces of art and design that bring our spaces to life carry the marks of their makers.

experience

experience

every mouthful,

every moment,

shaped by hands

that care

Maker’s mark: The most immediate and obvious way to appreciate the power of human handiwork during your stay is to look around you. The work by our collaborators and creatives from all across the continent comes together in our spaces – the marks of skill behind their craft are visible in every sculpture, etching, piece of tableware, and woven textile. All pieces are consciously made to catalyse inspiration and offer boundless comfort.

Acts of service: From laying a fire in the evenings to ward off the evening chill to lighting lanterns that line the pathways, it’s the physical acts of service that are done daily that create the inherent sense of ease you feel. Our homekeepers are core to this comfort – an intimately involved part of your day, even if not always present. And whether that’s an illuminated way back to your suite or a crisply turned down sheet, the human touch is where home lies.

Left, clockwise from top left Our spaces celebrate hard-earned techniques and skill. Daily tasks carried out at the lodges culminate in an undercurrent of care. Wellness treatments combine the soothing power of touch and the healing properties of traditional ingredients. Home keepers’ hands nurture your personal spaces, an incredibly important role that forms part of the soul of your experience.

a long

and

experience

winding

road

A conversation between

two nature enthusiasts:

Jonathan Lachowitz

and Solomon Ndlovu

experience

Solomon Ndlovu, Lodge Manager at Castleton, was an Assistant Head Guide at Singita Kruger National Park when he met Jonathan Lachowitz, who first visited in 2017. Over the years, they have spent hundreds of hours walking the Kruger concession, along with Tracker Sunday Ndhlovu. In an episode of the Safari Conversations podcast, they reflect on some of the memories and insights they’ve shared over the last few years, and what brings them both back to this remarkable place, time and again. Continuous lessons Solomon: It’s incredible what nature can teach you. And you know, from the first time you come, it begins a journey of coming back. I’m so grateful to be here doing what I do. And seeing small things that you don’t often see when you are in a vehicle, like dung beetles, for example. Watching that beetle rolling the ball all the way uphill and then downhill. That’s an incredible lesson for me. Because they never give up, because they know that at the end of this uphill, there’s a downhill. What life lessons have you learned? Jonathan: One of the things that I learn and relearn each time is that so many of the challenges and stresses that we have day-to-day seem much less important when you’re out in nature. And for me, whether it’s walking in the bush and seeing only nature in every direction, or being able to read a book just by starlight, you really feel relatively small. And your problems feel relatively small.

Fresh perspectives Solomon: Jonathan, I’m curious – why do you keep coming to Kruger so often, and why do you choose walking every day? Do you ever get bored? Jonathan: I’ve never had a moment that I felt bored being out in nature and being out with friends, walking. While it’s the same geographical location, every season is different, every month, every day, and really by the hour, nature changes – and there are always animals moving. The position of the sun is changing. The temperature is changing. While coming back to the same place has the familiarity of the people and the process, really, for me, it’s that opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world, to get close to nature and to get perspective. Solomon: You get to see a lot of interesting behaviour when you really stop and observe, and you’re not behind a camera lens or behind your phone, but you’re just out there watching impalas. And even though everybody’s seen impala thousands of times, when you stop and observe, you just have that opportunity to slow things down. I think that’s a really special opportunity that Singita offers – to go out and construct the day in a way that is most meaningful for you and for us. It’s about going out with no agenda, no checklist, and the opportunity to see what nature has to offer on any given day.

Previous spread On the ground and at eye level with your surroundings, the bush offers a different experience. Left Solomon Ndlovu, Lodge Manager at Castleton.

experience

“you get to see

a lot of interesting behaviour

when you really stop

and observe”

SOLOMON NDLOVU

Over time Jonathan: The experience that you’ve had, not just training to be a guide, but the day-to-day experience, the hundreds of hours being out in the bush, for me, that is displayed so much when we’re on foot. I don’t think that as a guest, we get that full appreciation right away of how experienced our guides and trackers are. It takes coming back two or three or four times to notice the nuances. So having now been on foot probably 60 or 70 days or more out in the bush, I think I have a pretty good appreciation for just how experienced and professional everybody is. For me, it’s the people who really make such a big difference, and they bring out the best of what nature has to offer. Solomon: We set out without a schedule every day. And it’s completely unusual, because many people will come in and want to get to that, or see that. Tick the boxes. And off we go with no checklist, which is very unusual, but works for us. But what is a box you would like to tick? Jonathan: Oh, for me, it has to be eland and sable. The guides have told me it’s rare to see eland. I’ve seen them half the times I’ve walked with you. But I think a lot of this really is about the time spent, too. If you spend only two or three days, you’re going to have maybe 12 or 18 hours out in the bush. But if you’re like me, who’s coming back year after year, you’re getting this accumulation of experiences, and not just my own, but everyone there has interesting stories and experiences to share.

Mutual trust Jonathan: I’d like to share my recollection of one of our most memorable experiences – seeing the Shish pride up close. It was early morning, and all of a sudden, we took a step and lions jumped up, which caused us all to stop in the position that we were in. This is really where your experience led to my 100% belief that I’m with the right people. We were standing in a forward position, as you had always taught me. Do you remember? Solomon: You know, even though I’ve done it for so many years, that’s not an experience that you get every day. With Sunday, I have to trust him – his senses, his skills, his knowledge of being out there for so many years. But it was incredible to see you stand your ground, Jonathan, and remember the protocol, and just embrace the moment. We have developed a very mutual trust, you know. I think I can give you a qualification as a guide now. Click here to listen to the Safari Conversations podcast, in conversation with Jonathan and Solomon.

Above, clockwise from top left Tracker Sunday Ndhlovu. Lessons and wisdom can be found all around you in nature if you take the time to look. On foot, trees, plants, and small details get well-deserved attention.

Artist Tatenda Chidora and filmmaker Julian Robinet explore the many moments of light in a day at Malilangwe

Click here to watch

the final

experience

frontier

Exploring the cosmos

as an act of story,

not science

experience

Space: the final frontier. An enduring sentiment that naively implies it’s the only thing left to discover, and positions it as something to chart, to conquer, to claim. But under the banner of progress, our thirst for understanding often contradicts what may be the fundamental purpose of space – and nature as a whole: to make us wonder. As a microcosm of the cosmos, the night sky teems with a kind of life that, unlike its earthly counterpart, can’t be neatly categorised or fully comprehended. It’s a shared inheritance – a ceiling we all live under, yet each interpret in our own way. For thousands of years, it has been an endless canvas for our imagination. A place where we connect dots to draw pictures, watch faraway lights flicker (are they stars? Planets? Or something else entirely?), and marvel at the shape of the moon. These acts are borne of allowing ourselves to wonder. We’ve always looked to the sky. In years past, it has aided navigation, timekeeping, understanding, and storytelling. But now, with maps, clocks, and

libraries on our phones, it’s settled neatly into the role of a backdrop – always there, forever changing, rich with stories both told and undiscovered. The same force that draws our eyes to the campfire and holds them there may also explain the awe we feel when stargazing, as we mirror our earliest ancestors who did the same. Perhaps the lesson here is that to wonder is human, and we can rediscover this skill. Africa’s wildernesses are among the best places to look at the night sky, not least because it’s often the only thing you can see. And here, in its unfiltered form, without artificial light diffusing its clarity, we’re reminded of our deep connection to something nameless and ancient, something that is felt rather than explained. On the grandest scale imaginable, the sky reminds us how much we still don’t know. Nature isn’t always close at hand, but wherever we are in the world – and in our day – we can look up, see it, and, if we linger long enough, start to wonder again.

Left The moon is a reminder that no matter how great, nothing is exempt from change.

every season is different

every month, every day

and really, by the hour,

nature changes

wisd

dom

wisdom

conservation’s

unexpected ally

We are increasingly harnessing the power

of technology to further the protection of wild spaces and species

wisdom

Innovation has historically been the enemy of the natural world in many ways. Responsible for industrial and digital revolutions, it has seen forests levelled, cities mushroom in size, and people retreat further away from the wilderness. But a tool is what you make of it. And the purpose and intent behind its use are all- important. Singita, working together with its partners, is harnessing the power of technological tools and the increasing capabilities of machine learning to help us understand and better protect landscapes and species. From mitigating human-wildlife conflict to species monitoring and protection, technology has become a crucial cog in the conservation machine. Head of Conservation at Singita, Inge Kotze, says a layered, multi-phased and faceted approach has been the key to increasing tech’s scope for success. Looking through the lens of anti-poaching, as one avenue where it’s been implemented, we can see how much technology’s role and capabilities have evolved since it was first introduced many years ago. Having started

with the trail cameras that were set up remotely and moved around manually, agents now use perimeter cameras and leverage AI technology to monitor fencelines 24/7 for incursions. This system issues early alerts for any movement detected, which can then be followed up with a rapid response. On road networks, too, license- plate recognition and real-time AI monitoring keep track of people and vehicles from a joint operational centre. Drone technology is a crucial part of the surveillance aspect of anti-poaching operations, enabling quicker and more widespread detection. “If activity is picked up, the dogs move. The drones are very useful for keeping ahead of the dogs, both for the safety of the team moving in, but also for holding a position and eye in the sky,” Inge notes. But the drones do more than just monitor – they’re used for long-term research data gathering as well, and for broad environmental management issues. They are also likely to link to ongoing annual census counts and ecological research in future.

Previous spread The positive applications of technology are limitless – from data gathering and ecological research to species protection. Left The Anti-Poaching Unit combines human dedication, canine training, and technological innovation to bolster its efficacy. Above Continual innovations in technology complement the expert skills and intuition of our dedicated game scouts.

wisdom

innovation

for protection,

not

destruction

And the future is coming at us fast. Rapid advancement in AI is providing more data – faster and filtered – that supports better decision- making, rapid response for wildlife protection, and improved long-term monitoring. Future applications are limitless. However, all this technology is nothing without the people implementing it. Literal and physical teamwork between tech and field teams is where the real wins can be found – more advanced tech makes anti-poaching units better, faster and more prepared, and research more effective. Of course, as with all development, these advances come with hurdles as well as benefits. Cost is a primary challenge of staying at the cutting edge of rapidly developing tech. Equipment needs to be updated and upgraded constantly, and people need to be trained to use it. “We very often test technology with cheaper, more semi-professional versions, and as we achieve proof of concept, we will start upgrading to the more expensive equipment,” says Inge. Faster

advancement also means more rapidly outdated technology. Often, as soon as technology becomes mainstream and its capabilities known, it requires new layers to stay one step ahead of ever- adapting poaching tactics. “Connectivity is also often a challenge, as we operate in very remote areas. Much of this technology requires an internet connection and stable connectivity, and that requires a big upfront investment to get blanket coverage,” she adds. The protection of sensitive data is another consideration. Information gathered is often on key species of conservation concern. Here, tech can be a friend and a foe. “Cybersecurity is critical against hacking – again, an area that requires investment to ensure that your data is securely stored.” “It’s an exciting space, with many like-minded partners and specialists joining forces with our conservation Trusts. Technology and field expertise combined is a fantastic example of the power of different strengths and perspectives coming together as a force for good,” says Inge.

Right Technology, big and small, provides valuable layers of evidence-based conservation decisions and monitoring.

wisdom

and the elephant

spoke

The animals gathered on an open plain

to hear the wisest among them,

the mighty Elephant, speak

Spaces were left empty

for those lost to the conflict with man

wisdom

Sisters and brothers. Family and friends. Hunters, hunted, and all you honoured residents of the plains. I ask that you let me speak before you speak your mind. Set down your pain for a moment and hear what I have to say. The tears that fall from the side of my face mean less than my words, but know that I understand. A new call is sounding from our beloved wilderness: the cries of our conflict with man. He names us as perpetrators and justifies his actions while condemning ours, but it isn’t that simple. War and truth are shapes of many sides – each more alike than we realise. I have observed. I have pondered. And I have realised that man harms us not out of malice, but need. The need for more – an unfortunate adaptation of his kind – or the need for survival. His resources are dwindling as his population

swells, and in his desperation, he seeks his well- being above our own. Ask yourself: Would you act differently in his place? You see, we are mirrors of each other. For longer than my memory serves, man has roamed, like you, Leopard; sought freedom, like you, Eagle; and expanded his territory, like me and my herd. We are not so different in what we seek. Only in how far we go to claim it. We are all drawn forward by longing – it is how we walk that makes the difference. There is no end in sight for man’s expansion. He craves progress as Cheetah craves the chase. You may see his creeping return to the wilds as an invasion, but I remind you that we have always shared this home. It was not we who forgot this truth, and we must remember it now.

wisdom

the cost of life is heavy, human and

animal alike

The same force that keeps us apart brings us together. And in our quest for survival, consider that we, too, have harmed him. We have eaten his food. We have trampled his home. We have robbed him of security. In fear, we have simply struck him down. I myself have been complicit. But do not think of me as a fool – for I do not mistake reciprocity for equality. Yes, the scales of our conflict are uneven, but we cannot weigh the value of life in checks and balances. Especially when it is the most vulnerable among his kind whom we punish. Those whose only fault lies in circumstances beyond their control. We could hate man, but what would that achieve? Justice lies not in revenge but in preserving balance, taking only what we need from the land and each other. It is up to us to

show him the way home. Compassion is a tough seed to sow, but it yields the sweetest fruits. And though we may never know peace, balance remains a noble goal to pursue. If the key to our collective survival is forgoing unchecked freedom, I beg you to accept it. For freedom is not the ability to do as one pleases, no matter the cost. It is in experiencing the world as it’s meant to be. So let him raise his fences. Leave him to his crops. Savour the space he fights to save for us. For although in doing so, he has his best interests at heart, I assure you, his best interests are not so different from ours. The cost of life is heavy, human and animal alike.

what life lessons

have you learned from nature?

wisdom

to

have

to have wood enough for the fire to come full circle around it and feel its primal pull stirring a deep and dwindling warmth

to have sat long enough in place to watch our shadows lengthen and not rush to light the way wrapped tightly in the turn of day and night

to have walked a path shared by so few not to escape the world but reach it again and know how close is our return waiting in the freedom beyond fear

to have no sight behind walls, around corners to search not to find but to feel and take wisdom in place of answers yielding to a lightness of heart

to have eaten from the bush to have drunk from the stream as nature brushes each sense in turn

is to have had enough

With thanks to our collaborators Ambrose Manga, Bernard Stiglingh, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Emma Jackson, Georgie Pennington, Inge Kotze, Jessica Robertson, Jonathan Lachowitz, Julia Freemantle, Julian Robinet, Lisa Carey, Lindsay Couper, Michael Schapiro, Pride Maunatlala, Rebecca Moore, Ross Couper, Sacha Pagani, Solomon Ndlovu, Sunday Ndhlovu, Tatenda Chidora, and LOOKBOOK Studio.

Click here to subscribe to the Singita magazine

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92

Powered by