In the Northern Cape province of South Africa – the only place in the world where rooibos is grown – early colonial settlers dispossessed the traditional inhabitants of their lands. With no land of their own, many of these native San (bushmen) and Khoi (Hottentot) peoples had little choice but to work for slave wages on white-owned plantations. Today, 98% of all rooibos is still grown on large-scale white-owned plantations.

Two very small-scale rooibos producer associations – Wupperthal Rooibos Tea Association, and the Heiveld Co-operative – now own small parcels of land and are able to supply fair trade markets, and have set a minimum wage level that is approximately 70% higher than that of the plantations. Wupperthal and Heiveld are two distinct co-operatives, but they partner together to market their rooibos and they together own a controlling share of an export company named Fair Packers.

Both groups share a commitment to the sustainable harvest of organic wild rooibos tea as the means by which they can provide a better life for their farmer members. Income from the sale of tea is put towards education, and into improvements to housing, nutrition and health for the benefit of the cooperatives’ families. The issue of land reform is also a focus for the groups, who actively promote improved access to land for previously disadvantaged groups as a means of addressing the injustices of the past.

Trade Aid’s Rooibos is:

• Fairly traded - the minimum wage levels are approximately 70% higher than that of other rooibos plantations.
• Certified organic and has been sustainably harvested from wild rooibos.
• Caffeine free - rooibos has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system so can  help with a good night's sleep.
• Believed to have a number of medicinal values - it is high in antioxidants, can help  increase the absorption of iron, boost the immune system, relieve stomach ulcers, nausea and heartburn. It also contains calcium, fluoride and manganese for strong bones and teeth.
• High in minerals including: zinc, sodium and alpha-hydroxy acid that promote healthy skin.
• Versatile – drink it hot or cold, with or without milk, sugar or honey.  It  can also be used in cooking and baking for added flavour and nutrition.

Read about Wupperthal Rooibos Tea Association

Read about Heiveld Co-operative

Read about the plant and tea called Rooibos

Vote for Heiveld! Heiveld has been chosen as one of 12 finalists in the BBC World Challenge 08 - voting lines are open until November 22, 2008 - show your support for small scale farmers in South Africa.