How permaculture promotes environmental health and personal wellness

By Syndi Khathwane

IN THE world of permaculture, there is no such thing as bad weather—just bad clothing. This isn’t just a saying; it’s a philosophy for life. We are not superior to nature; we are part of it. Every life form contributes to our planet’s sustainability, and ignoring this truth comes at our peril.

Permaculture—short for permanent agriculture—is not merely a gardening technique. It’s a way of living, rooted in 12 principles that guide sustainable practices. Coined in the 1970s by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, permaculture emphasises observation, design, and harmony. These principles include learning from nature, catching and storing energy, minimising waste, and integrating rather than segregating.

Take onions and cabbages, for example. Together, they demonstrate how plants can work in harmony. Onions grow underground, creating root pathways that improve soil health and ward off pests with their pungent aroma. Meanwhile, cabbages grow above ground, shading the soil and slowing water evaporation. This relationship is not just a lesson in gardening; it’s a blueprint for how humans can coexist with nature.

At its core, permaculture promotes a symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment. This concept is not new—it has roots in indigenous practices worldwide, where communities lived in harmony with the land, taking only what they needed and ensuring the environment remained healthy for future generations.

In today’s industrialised world, this wisdom feels revolutionary. The modern agricultural system prioritises mass production over sustainability, often at the expense of the environment. Monoculture farming depletes soil nutrients, pesticides pollute water systems, and excessive mechanisation contributes to carbon emissions.

Permaculture stands in direct opposition to this. By working with natural systems rather than against them, it offers a viable solution to the environmental crisis. It is about designing self-sustaining ecosystems that require minimal external input while maximizing output.

Mncedisi Ntombini, a seasoned permaculturist based in Mpumalanga, has dedicated over a decade to transforming barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems. His projects in Mpumalanga and neighbouring eSwatini are living proof of permaculture’s potential.

“Permaculture emphasises observation, analysis, and planning,” Ntombini explains. “When you look at the veins formed by rivers, the veins on our hands, and the veins formed by roots in the soil, you realise everything is connected. Living systems must be nurtured, not exploited.”

For Ntombini, this philosophy extends beyond agriculture. It is about fostering resilience, both in the land and in people. His work focuses on cultivating wellness and creating natural remedies from his garden to address chronic illnesses and improve overall health.

As South Africa grapples with increasingly erratic weather, the symptoms of environmental neglect are glaringly evident. The devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the above-average rainfall in Gauteng, and the uneven weather patterns in the Free State, Limpopo, and North West are stark reminders of the planet’s “dis-ease”.

These floods, droughts, and shifting seasons are more than just natural phenomena—they are warnings. Climate change, driven by humanity’s relentless exploitation of resources, demands immediate action. Just as nature demands balance, so do our minds and bodies.

When we neglect our health, we experience “dis-ease” that manifests as illness. Similarly, humanity’s exploitation of natural resources has thrown the planet into turmoil. The parallels between personal wellness and environmental health are striking, and permaculture offers solutions for both.

The pharmaceutical industry in South Africa generated about R52 billion in 2022, yet chronic illnesses are on the rise. Hospitals are overcrowded, and many people rely on medicines that treat symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

Ntombini’s Seasons Garden offers a different approach. Home to over 24 fruit and nut trees and a variety of medicinal herbs, the garden produces teas, essential oils, body butters, and kidney-cleansing juices. These products have helped his family manage ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic pain.

“We’ve created remedies that have significantly improved the quality of life for my mother and mother-in-law,” Ntombini shares. “We’ve also developed products for our children, who are active in sports and often need natural solutions for muscle recovery and energy.”

Permaculture is not just about what you plant; it is about how you live. At Seasons Garden, nothing goes to waste. Rainwater is harvested and stored, providing a cleaner, chemical-free alternative to municipal water. Plastic bottles are repurposed as self-watering systems, and old tyres become elevated garden beds.

The garden’s swales—shallow trenches designed to capture rainwater—showcase how natural landscapes can be adapted to conserve resources. These swales allow water to slow, sink, and store underground, reducing runoff and promoting healthy soil.

“We learn from nature,” Ntombini says. “By observing and mimicking natural systems, we create sustainable solutions that work for both people and the planet.”

The Global Wellness Institute reports that more people are turning to wellness practices to combat modern health challenges. From mental health and stress management to nutrition and sleep, the wellness movement is gaining momentum. Permaculture aligns seamlessly with this shift, offering actionable solutions to improve well-being while reducing environmental impact.

But this is more than a lifestyle trend—it’s a survival strategy. As climate change accelerates, permaculture reminds us that we do not have to wait for policymakers to act. We can start now, in our own backyards, creating systems that support life and nurture wellness.

As we enter 2025, it is time to reflect on how far we have come—and how far we still need to go. Seasons change, and so must we. Transitioning to sustainable living is not optional; it is essential for our survival and the planet’s.

Permaculture is a call to action. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with the Earth, shifting from consumption to conservation, from exploitation to harmony.

As Ntombini puts it: “Permaculture isn’t just about growing food; it’s about growing a future.”

* Syndi Khathwane is an entrepreneur, social activist, curator, public speaker, project manager, master of ceremonies, panel discussion moderator, voice over artist, and humanitarian.

** The views expressed here do not necessarily relfect those of IOL or Independent Media.