Khoikhoi
Lands
South Africa, especially the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape, including Nama, Griqua and Korana communities
Countries South Africa
Facts 5
Governance
South Africa's 2019 Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act set out to formally recognize Khoi and San leadership. A court kept it in force until May 2027 while it is reworked.
As of 2025 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2026: South Africa (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Today
Rooibos benefit money now helps fund local schools, water pumps, student fees and an organic rooibos nursery in Cederberg communities such as Wupperthal.
As of 2025 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2026: South Africa (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Achievement
Under a groundbreaking 2019 agreement, Khoikhoi and San peoples are paid for their traditional knowledge of rooibos. Payments began reaching communities in 2024.
As of 2024 Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2026: South Africa (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Today
The Khoisan revival is an ongoing cultural, social and academic movement in South Africa, centred on identity and reclaiming history.
Source: South African History Online, Kora: A Lost Khoisan Language of the early Cape and the Gariep, Introduction (Menán du Plessis) (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
Today
Many South Africans once classed as Coloured under apartheid now identify as Khoikhoi or San, exercising their right to self-identification.
Source: IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs), The Indigenous World 2024, South Africa chapter (IWGIA yearbook PDF) (opens in a new tab) Checked Suggest a correction to this fact
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