South Africa rooibos tea industry pays out to indigenous people

Published 2022년 7월 14일

Tridge summary

The article highlights a significant development in South Africa's rooibos tea industry, where manufacturers have committed to a benefit-sharing agreement, contributing R12.2 million ($716,000) annually to indigenous groups, specifically the Khoi and San people. This agreement, a 1.5% levy on the farm gate price, aims to recognize the heritage and cultivation rights of these communities. The funds are overseen by a trust to enhance the quality of life for these communities, marking a step towards acknowledging the rights and contributions of indigenous peoples in the country. The industry also employs 5,000 people and exports to 30 countries, with Rooibos tea enjoying geographical indication status in the EU since 2014. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address past injustices and discrimination, amidst ongoing discussions and protests regarding development projects and the impact on sacred sites and rights of indigenous communities.

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Original content

South Africa’s rooibos tea industry paid R12.2 million ($716,000) to groups representing indigenous people in the country, part of a benefit-sharing agreement to recognize the original cultivators of the plant. A levy of 1.5% of the farm gate price of the herbal tea will be paid into a trust each year controlled by the Khoi and San people, the South African Rooibos Council said in a statement. The funds will be used to improve the lives of those communities. The move – the result of lengthy discussions going back to an agreement in 2019 – is the latest example of South African industries and companies acknowledging the rights and contributions of people who lived in the country before Dutch settlers started to arrive in the 17th century. The Khoi and San people have also been protesting against the planned new Africa headquarters of US e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc in Cape Town, which they say is being built on sacred ground. South Africa’s High Court temporarily halted ...

Source: Businesstech