Bheki Gcumisa, popularly known as Howickman, is a resident of Mpophomeni. He was born in Birnamwood and has lived in many other areas of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Growing up Bheki lived with his grandmother who prepared a variety of traditional meals. Favourites included isijingi a combination of maize meal and pumpkin; isijabane which is maize meal combined with beans; umnyelankobe a mixture of mealies and dried beans; boiled amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta) with chicken, and mashed sweet potatoes and boiled potatoes as umqhobo. Bheki’s mother trained as a sangoma while raising her four boys. After completing ukuthwasa, she moved from Birnamwood to Mpophomeni to open her practice. Bheki learnt a lot from her while helping her collect medicinal herbs in the hills of Mpophomeni. Bheki’s father was born at Swayimane, later moving to Sweetwaters with his family. At the age of nine Bheki went to live with his father. “I was very influenced by him and the leading roles he played in the community. Often the issues one would expect the chief or ward councilor to deal with, were brought to him. I believe this has influenced me to also work closely with community.” Bheki remembers his father taking time out on Christmas Day to be alone on Break Hill. “He always sat in contemplation on a particular rock with a view of the whole area, I am sure my love of solo hiking stems from this.”
Bheki is a highly motivated, self-driven, spiritual young man. His positive outlook, wide smile, and great personality mean he is well-liked in the Midlands community.
One of his hobbies is hiking, particularly in the uMngeni region. For many years he has been exploring the hills and back roads, often walking over 20 kilometers in a day. Bheki has successfully shared his love of the wonders of the area on social media, growing a strong following. People often ask to tag along on his hikes, so in 2019, the Howickman Hiking Club was conceived. The aim of which is to explore the province, promoting local hikes, particularly in townships and rural areas. “My vision is to expose youngsters to our beautiful area, encourage them to get outdoors, learn about career opportunities in the field, and create a platform where the youth can use their skills and talents to aid the conservation of natural places.”
Bheki wrote an article about hiking in the time of the Covid pandemic titled "Walking to Stay Sane", which received much attention and lead to him being approached by The Wildlife Society of Southern Africa (WESSA) to lead the WESSA Midlands Youth Group.
Bheki works for South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as a Horticultural Conservationist at the Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg. He oversees the collection, propagation and maintenance of targeted indigenous plant species collected from wild areas. "The best part is that after collection and propagation of the plants, they have to be planted which means gardening. I love gardening. I find it therapeutic. It is rewarding to know that you have rescued a plant and given it a new lease on life". Bheki designs garden beds in an aesthetically pleasing manner so that the special plants can be admired by the public. The compliments that he receives are always motivating.
Bheki looks up to Ben Fogle, a nature enthusiast, author, and broadcaster. In the documentary Return to the Wild, Ben spends time with families around the world that are living an off-grid life, investigating how this way of living has changed their lives. "A different perspective is revealed in these programs, demonstrating that we can live harmoniously with nature if we take only what we need.” Bheki aspires to live like this one day.
Climate change is one of the main issues that motivates Bheki’s dedication to environmental action. "I am fearful of what the future looks like due to climate chaos. There is a desperate need for intervention. I feel that I could play a role to influence change since the issue seems to be getting less attention in all dimensions of life".
Bheki is a participant in The Sustainable Nutrition for Climate Action Research Project, facilitated by One Planet SA in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the TESF network, which aims to investigate what helps people make more sustainable food choices - and what prevents them from changing. "Before I joined the Healing is in the Pot programme I was big on vegetables, but big on the meat as well. I have been shocked to learn about the impact that mass meat production has on the environment. Luckily, I cook my own pot separately, so it is possible for me to make personal changes to my diet. I can't remember when I last ate meat.” Bheki is using his network to help him change to a plant-based diet. “I keep posting veggie meals on my social media, which makes many people think I am vegetarian already. So, they will hold me accountable and question me if they see me eating meat.”
Bheki is a problem solver. Combined with his passion for the planet and his community, and his determination to make a difference, there can be no doubt that he is going places. Steadily, putting one foot in front of the other, on a quiet mission to make the world a better place.
From Penz Malinga for Mpophomeni Conservation Group
