When a man speaks about things close to your heart you’re already primed to listen. So when Boyd Varty, who grew up in the Londolozi Game Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park, popped up on TEDTalks I wasn’t going to miss it. And even if you’re not a wildlife addict, as I am, you shouldn't miss it either because of its central theme of ubuntu.
Ubuntu refers to the African idea of sharing, humanity and empathy, the notion that ‘I am because of you’ or people aren’t people without other people. Varty begins with a commentary about ubuntu in terms of Nelson Mandela – well timed in light of recent events.
But much more compelling for me is when he goes on to describe the amazing heroism and ubuntu of game ranger Solly Mhlongo (and don’t I wish I could meet that man!). He also talks about the sense of community and care in a herd of elephants protecting and helping a young elephant that Solly named Elvis because she was born with deformed back legs and pelvis, which made her walk as if she was doing the Elvis the pelvis dance.
The talk will take only 15 minutes of your time. I promise it will be 15 minutes well spent.
But much more compelling for me is when he goes on to describe the amazing heroism and ubuntu of game ranger Solly Mhlongo (and don’t I wish I could meet that man!). He also talks about the sense of community and care in a herd of elephants protecting and helping a young elephant that Solly named Elvis because she was born with deformed back legs and pelvis, which made her walk as if she was doing the Elvis the pelvis dance.
The talk will take only 15 minutes of your time. I promise it will be 15 minutes well spent.
Huge thanks to my friend Heather for alerting me to this talk. If it touched you in some way – or it didn't – share your thoughts in the comments below.
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without written permission from roxannereid.co.za. I do not hold copyright of the video.
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without written permission from roxannereid.co.za. I do not hold copyright of the video.
