This is quotation is from Zambian theologian Joe Kapolyo, the quotation is a part of a larger discussion on the implications of the fact that human beings are stewards of creation on aspects of Zambian culture (Genesis 1:28-31):
"stewardship affects our relationship to nature as well as our relationship to human beings. It seems to me that in regard to nature we are to be good stewards, and in relation to each other we are to love each other to avoid mindless exploitation of others. In both spheres our record is not something we can be proud of. Growing up in Zambia I have observed many a diligent house wife wake up early in the morning and Begin the day by sweeping around the house. Traditionally the implement used is called in bemba umukusao or iceswa. This is a small bundle of twigs about a metre long held in one hand and used to sweep dirt. This implement is very effective - perhaps too effective. It sweeps all before it, including the layer of top soil so necessary for sustaining growth of any kind. Every year tons of good top soil are swept away by hundreds of thousands of overzealous housewives; other sweepers and the rain come and take it all away and dump it into rivers, which take it down to the sea. As sweeping normally starts at the point of contact between the house and the surrounding area, in time the foundations of the house get exposed and some of the cracks that appear in many houses in the townships are a result of this form depletion of soil."P 62 the Human Condition Inter varsity Press
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