IYX Africa

25/09/2026

Ma |Xoah

We’re sharing the survey below in case you might be interested in participating or sharing it with your networks and contacts. Please note that this survey is not related to KOEF, we are simply sharing it as an opportunity that may be relevant to your work.

The survey is part of an upcoming thematic report and aims to gather experiences and perspectives on the overall health and psychosocial well-being of human rights defenders across different contexts and regions of the world.

Survey link:
https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/x/Bc1dthqw

Estimated completion time: 15–20 minutes
Deadline for participation: 1 October 2026
Contact and support:[email protected] - [email protected]

The survey is completely anonymous, and the responses will help inform the upcoming report.

Please feel free to share it with partners, colleagues, and others in your networks who may be interested in contributing.

_______________________________________

Kind Regards,

KOEF Team
Cultural Survival

--
KEEPERS OF THE EARTH PROGRAM, KOEF

PROGRAMA GUARDIANES DE LA TIERRA



Supporting Indigenous Peoples’ community advocacy and development projects

24/09/2026

Today, on Heritage Day, we find ourselves reflecting on what heritage truly means.

Over the past two weeks, during the IYX Africa Native Child of the World Indigenous Leadership Capacity Building Camp, we have shared stories, songs, languages, traditional knowledge, laughter, and difficult conversations. We have witnessed both the beauty and the painful history that Indigenous communities continue to carry, while also experiencing the resilience, generosity, and hope that lives within them.

One of the greatest insights from this journey is that heritage is not something we simply preserve—it is something we live. It is found in the way we care for one another, steward the land, protect our languages, honour our elders, and create spaces where every culture can be seen, heard, and respected.

This Heritage Day, we celebrate the diversity that makes South Africa so rich, while also recognising that true reconciliation begins with listening, learning, and walking alongside one another with humility.

May we continue to build relationships across cultures, strengthen Indigenous voices, and remember that our shared future is rooted in mutual respect, community, and our connection to the natural world.

Happy Heritage Day.

19/09/2026

Food, Healing & Celebration

Week 2

Thursday invited us to reflect on one of our most important relationships—our relationship with food.

Together, we explored the realities of GMO foods, food sovereignty, the importance of transparent labelling, and the misconceptions surrounding the “Green Revolution” and greenwashing. We reflected on how highly monopolised food systems quietly shape the health of our bodies, minds and communities, and why informed choices matter.

After a morning of deep discussion, we slowed down. The women gathered to weave, craft and simply be together, creating space to connect, reflect and learn from one another.

In the afternoon, Dr. Francois Raubenheimer led a discussion on “All Things Medicine,” exploring both the light and shadow aspects of natural healing and the modern spiritual movement. Together, we reflected on practices that support balance, self-acceptance and self-mastery on our lifelong healing journeys.

We closed our Indigenous Leadership Capacity Building Camp with a shared braai, celebrating the friendships, conversations and memories cultivated over the past two weeks.

While the camp has come to an end, this is only the beginning. We look forward to continuing to grow our Native Child of the World community, supporting one another in our work, and strengthening the relationships that will carry this journey forward.

16/09/2026

Reflection, Reciprocity & Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge

Week 2

Tuesday invited us into a space of deep reflection, meaningful dialogue, and powerful learning.

Our morning began with Chantal Noa Forbes, who guided participants through an inspiring exploration of Indigenous identity, knowledge systems, and the importance of reconnecting with our inherent Indigenous way of being. Together, we reflected on what it truly means to be Indigenous, how our relationship with the land, culture, language, and community shapes our identity, and why Indigenous knowledge offers vital solutions for the environmental and social challenges we face today.

Chantal also encouraged us to look beyond simply seeking answers and instead ask what lies beneath our questions. Through conversations on ethical research, reciprocity, and decolonising knowledge, participants were reminded that Indigenous knowledge is not something of the past, but a living system that continues to guide us towards more just and sustainable futures.

We were then honoured to continue the exchange with Mr Bulum Imam and Gustav Imam from the Sanskriti Museum in Hazaribagh, India. Their reflections on cultural heritage, Indigenous wisdom, and preserving living traditions reminded us that safeguarding Indigenous knowledge is a shared responsibility that connects communities across the world.

Our evening concluded with Vanessa Black from Biowatch South Africa, who introduced participants to the principles of agroecology and food sovereignty, highlighting how biodiversity, local seed systems, and community-led food production strengthen both people and the ecosystems they depend upon.

Our sincere gratitude to Chantal Noa Forbes, Mr Bulum Imam, Gustav Imam, the Sanskriti Museum, and Vanessa Black from Biowatch South Africa for sharing your wisdom and time with our Native Child of the World participants. Your teachings have planted seeds that will continue to grow far beyond this camp.

16/09/2026

Join us live on our page today at 3:00 PM (SAST) for a special midweek check-in from our Native Child of the World Indigenous Leadership Capacity Building Camp!

Hear directly from our participants as they share their experiences, reflections, and highlights from the journey so far. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with the voices at the heart of this gathering and see what has been unfolding throughout the week.

We look forward to having you with us!

15/09/2026

Building Vision into Action

Week 2

Monday began with a beautiful grounding and movement exercise, allowing everyone to connect with themselves, each other, and the space around them. We were accompanied by a gentle drizzle, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere as we prepared for the day ahead.

Our participants then stepped into the role of community organisations as they divided into two teams: Tui Ni Duse (“Stand Up and Try”) and Are (“Love”). Together, they brainstormed community-led solutions before developing a project proposal, complete with an executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, timelines, milestones, and budget.

The day culminated in an intense mock boardroom exercise, where each team presented their proposal to a panel of “funders” and responded to rapid-fire questions. The experience challenged their presentation skills, strategic thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and ability to communicate their vision with confidence.

Beyond the exercise itself, the day was filled with meaningful conversations around community development, solution-focused thinking, and community leadership. Every participant brought unique perspectives to the table, reminding us that lasting change begins when people come together with a shared purpose and a willingness to learn from one another.

14/09/2026

Natural Medicine & Well-being workshop

On Sunday we gathered in community for our Natural Medicine & Well-being Workshop, and what a truly beautiful day it was.

We were honoured to learn from Francois Raubenheimer through “Healing From Home to Garden” and Craige Q7 Beckett through his “7 Modalities and Rebalancing Demonstrations”. Our brothers shared their knowledge and brought a new perspective about what it truly means to care for ourselves through the nourishment of our Earth.

We were grateful to have many natural medicines on display and shared throughout the day, including beautiful remedies handcrafted by Indigicures, showcasing the richness of nature’s healing traditions.

Our gathering was opened and closed by our San Bushman brothers from Tui Ni Duse — meaning “Stand Up and Try” in the Ju/‘hoasi language of the San people from Gobabis, Eastern Namibia. Their storytelling, song, and dance honoured the strength, resilience, and living traditions carried through generations.

The day was filled with beautiful gifts of dance, poetry, and song offered to the space. Our dear sisters Makepa, Storm-Joy, and Honey shared moving performances, and we ended the day with the gift of gentle rain as our San brothers danced to close this special gathering.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their knowledge, and brought their presence into this space. We hope you left feeling inspired, enriched, and more connected to yourself, each other, and the wisdom of nature.

A special thank you to our Native Child of the World participants for your teamwork and dedication in helping make this event a success, and to Phakalane Spirit Spa for sharing your beautiful healing space with us.

Together we continue to nurture spaces where knowledge, culture, healing, and community can flourish. 🌱

13/09/2026

12/09/2026

Rest, Reflection & Inspiration

After a rich and inspiring first week of our Native Child of the World Indigenous Leadership Capacity Building Camp, Saturday invited us to slow down and follow the rhythm of the space.

We took time to reflect on the many teachings, conversations, and experiences that have shaped our journey so far, while also caring for our shared environment and refreshing our collective space as a community. These moments remind us that caring for a place is also a way of caring for one another.

We were joined by special guests who opened a window into the world of ancient art, inspiring creativity, storytelling, and new ways of expression.

One of our incredible participants, Mr Rashid Juma, founder of Go Green, Go Cleanin Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, shared his magical talents and captivated everyone with his performance. This was followed by a documentary highlighting the inspiring work of Go Green, Go Clean, offering participants a powerful example of how creativity, environmental awareness, and community action can come together.

We invite our community to explore their wonderful resources, educational games, and initiatives through their website: https://gggc.co.za/index.html🌱

The day was beautifully nourished by a delicious meal prepared with love by our Nama family, reminding us of the connections created around a shared table.

We end this Saturday feeling grateful—for art that inspires, nature that grounds us, and collaboration that brings us together.

Tomorrow we look forward to welcoming those who can join us for our Natural Medicine & Wellness Workshop, continuing our exploration of the relationship between people, plants, and healing knowledge carried through generations. 💚