Listen/Watch: Diversity, Constitution and Preservation of nature in Benoni
Giving back to mother nature
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/07/IMG_0140_66116.jpg)
South Africa is trademarked as a diverse nation, and one reason for this is the diverse cultural and ethnic groups who live here.
Couple this with a Constitution that allows for freedom and tolerance of beliefs and the result is a nation that backs the saying “each to their own” quite thoroughly.
Benoni resident Belinda West is one of the organisers of the Lunar Festivals Benoni, the first of which took place at John Barrable Hall, Northmead, on Saturday (July 28).
The festivals are about spiritual enlightenment and being closer to nature.
West said the festivals are set to become a regular feature in Benoni. They came into being with the Total Eclipse Lunar Festival, which was hosted on Friday (July 27) for the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse, also at John Barrable Hall.
Together with many other Benonians who arrived at the festival on the day, she believes in giving back to nature because without nature West says humanity would cease to exist.
ALSO READ:
Benoni coal mine depicted in post-apocalyptic environment
West, who considers herself to be a spiritual being, said the eclipse was about “change” and that they wanted to usher in a change in their lives.
To celebrate the eclipse, and what they deem positive change, the group welcomed the presence of Greenpeace International to Benoni.
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/green-peace-banner-dropped-in-benoni
Greenpeace, which is an international pro-environmental organisation, has embarked on a journey of incorporating participation on a provincial/regional level.
According to Gauteng campaign operations manager for Oceans Rianke Krügel, the organisation is inviting members of the public to become more active and more vocal on environmental issues they face on a regular basis.
A Greenpeace banner was lowered against the outside of the John Barrable Hall to signify the presence of the organisation in Benoni.
Local spiritually inclined and pro-environmental activists were there to witness the spectacle.
“It is up to us to change or else we will drive ourselves to extinction,” West said.
“We want to raise environmental awareness and spiritual enlightenment.”
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2018/07/IMG_0144-Custom-520x400.jpg)
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za