Socio-economic and cultural study of the Griqua people in South Africa

Abstract

The history (or rather ‘histories’) of the Griqua people is a highly contested subject matter and versions of the historical development of the Griqua nation are as diverse as the nation itself. From the early 1800s, when the name Griqua was adopted to describe indigenous people with linkages to the traditional Khoi-San culture, ‘true’ Griqua identity, and what defines Griqua identity have been the topic of considerable controversy. As a result of the different historical narratives within Griqua groupings, various Griqua factions exist throughout the country. Some Griqua factions acknowledge other Griqua groupings while others deny the ‘indigenousness’ and historical context of Griqua groupings other than their own. The scope of the report is not to linger on different historical versions of the identity of ‘true’ Griqua, but rather to reflect on contemporary socio-economic demography and cultural perceptions of people throughout the country who regard themselves as being Griqua. Despite their divergences, most Griqua groupings pursue similar ideals, inter alia recognition of their Griqua

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