Sunk deeply in a chair at Amazing Grace Guesthouse in De Kelders, I met the 77-year-old United Nations Environment Program’s Goodwill Ambassador, as well as National Geographic Society’s first Education Fellow, Dr. John Francis.
It’s the 23rd of January, a scorching hot and windy day in the Overstrand, and Dr. Francis has just walked 22 kilometers from Stanford Hills to De Kelders. While 22 might not sound that significant, consider that he has been walking, trying to avoid motorized vehicles at all costs, for more than 55 years…
John has traveled throughout much of the Americas on foot—hence his nickname, the “Planet Walker.” Now, he has decided to return to humanity’s birthplace to collect climate data and share his wisdom with those ready to listen. John started his Planetwalk Africa in February 2023, walking from Cape Point to Gordon’s Bay, and “there is no rush to complete the rest of the journey that will end in Egypt, more than 7000 km.
Why would anyone put themselves (and their feet) through such a rigorous life? When Dr. Francis joins the Marine Dynamics guides and biologists for lunch at the Great White House, he shares his story with us, and his dark eyes light up as the stories flow from his memory like the in-and-out waves at Kleinbaai harbour.
Leon Kriel, head of Production at Marine Dynamics, was inspired by Dr John’s stories.
Dr. Francis doesn’t seem to forget any of the interesting moments in his life, or even his parents’ concern about him when he stopped using motorized transport in 1971, after witnessing an oil spill, assisting in cleaning oiled animals, and realizing what we are doing to the planet and our environment.
Even more significant was his parents’ concern when, shortly after this incident, Dr. Francis stopped talking. Not for a day or two, or even a few months… but for 17 years. Why? “Because at the age of 27, you think you are wise, you know everything. When someone tells you something, you don’t need to listen because you know better,” he laughs as he recalls his life as a young man in the ’70s. “I had to stop talking to start listening and not only listening but hearing what others have to say and learning from others who know far more than I do.”
Xolani Lawu show Dr John how to feed our African Penguins at APSS.
Dr. Francis joined the Marine Dynamics guides/biologists for lunch at the Great White House, where the Whale Room went silent, just listening to his amazing stories. And you don’t have to listen hard; just be quiet for a moment to realize that Dr. John Francis, the Planetwalker, has a simple message that we have to be reminded of every now and again: be quiet, listen, tread gently on earth, and caring for the environment starts with caring for those you meet along your life path, be kind to others…
Dr Francis, meeting visiting Marine Protected Area expert, Dr Amin, as well as our Marine Dynamics guides/biologists.
We will forever wonder where Dr. Francis rests his weary feet and head at night… and thank you for your visit and words of wisdom.
Dr John Francis at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
Read more about his remarkable journey here: https://planetwalk.org/about-john/
