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The SA Rooibos Council (SARC) has made good on the agreement reached in 2019 to improve Khoi and San communities after years of struggle. These communities will receive R12.2 million as part of the access and benefit-sharing agreement.
This first tranche of the money was disbursed equally between the National Khoi and San Council and the SA San Council, which would then distribute the money.
Martin Bergh, the chairperson of the SARC, said:
The SARC said the two councils were finalising processes and procedures on how the money received would be distributed across the communities.
It said:
The SARC added that the funds would be used to protect cultural heritage, advance education and development within the community, and improve livelihoods with respect, honesty, fairness and care.
Community structures will receive help to develop governance structures before the benefit is shared.
Going forward, a benefit-sharing levy of 1.5% of the farm gate price of the tea would be paid annually into the trust.
Rooibos tea, which is only grown and produced in South Africa, is farmed in the Cederberg area of the Western Cape.
