How is Land the Extended Metaphor for Kumalo

in the book cry, the beloved country, paton uses land as an extended metaphor for the character of kumalo.
"the grass is rich and matted, you cannot see the soil. it holds the rain and the mist, and they seep into the ground, feeding the streams in every kloof. it is well-tended, and not too many cattle feed upon it; not too many fires burn it, laying bare the soil. stand unshod upon it, for the ground is holy, being even as it came from the Creator. keep it, guard it, care for it, for it keeps men, cares for men, destory it and man is destroyed." (33)
i think this passage is a perfect description of Kumalo. he's the type to take care of people (such as the soil in this passage) but not many take advantage of him. only few do who do not know him such as the cab driver who stole his money. and the holy part of the ground represents kumalo being a priest. but if kumalo were to be destroyed or not around anymore, people would'nt know where to turn anymore and their lives would be ruined, like his sister.