From 15 to 19 of July 2024, during recess, a group of Theology students alongside the Faculty’s Dean and a few lecturers, students from TUT and Unisa, and two members from the Leadership for Conservation in Africa group joined the eco-theology retreat that was hosted by the Faculty of Theology and Religion in partnership with our Centre for Faith and Community.

As a postgraduate student whose research is based on land justice and food security, I was eager to join this retreat as it would expand my perspectives. Little did I know that upon arrival I would fully immerse myself in kitchen crew activities, as we had to prepare our own meals as a group. I worked with Irene Thomas, who I called our head chef and claimed myself as her sous chef, a title shared by me and her son. Everyone helped with setup and cleanup duty; even our event coordinator Thabiso Thoka helped us with all our meals, which ensured that we stuck to the programme as much as possible.

Before the retreat I was asked to lead devotions one of the mornings. I found the request a bit daunting as it was out of my comfort zone, and yes, as a theologian it might be weird, but I have always seen myself more as an “acts of service” kind of theologian than one who uses words for service. But I took on the request and the Monday evening when I was told that we would be having the devotion on top of the mountain, it seemed like the way in which my devotion was prepared was perfect for the setting. The theme of my devotion was using the Bible as a tool for eco-theology. I took my readings from Luke 12:42-48, which represents how we ought to be faithful and wise stewards, as well as how we have been called to be stewards of the earth’s resources and that we have a responsibility to manage the resources wisely and responsibly. Amos 5:24 and Psalm 106:3 state that our stewardship practices should promote justice and equity, but also show compassion to all.

It is now when I look back on the trip that I see how things came together, how my kitchen duties represent food security, working hand in hand with the theme of my devotion. In a sense, my part of this retreat was to practice stewardship of resources, being part of the team who managed kitchen resources wisely so that everyone had access to nutritious food.

During the Marakele retreat, my understanding of eco-theology underwent a profound transformation. Initially not finding a rich connection between theology and conservation, the retreat highlighted their intrinsic connection. Scriptures like Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it", emphasised God's ownership of creation, compelling us to steward it responsibly. Engaging with eco-theology deepened my appreciation for nature as a manifestation of God's glory, echoing Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." This perspective shifted my perception from viewing nature as mere resources to appreciating its inherent value and role in divine creation.

The retreat activities, from bush walks and game drives to discussions on conservation, illustrated practical applications of biblical teachings. Connecting theology with conservation fostered a holistic approach to faith, emphasising our responsibility to care for creation as stewards.

Ultimately, what captured my attention is that before we become stewards of nature, it should begin within ourselves. With this said, the retreat provided a transformative journey of reconciling theology with environmental stewardship, reinforcing the interconnectedness of faith and nature.