Donkeys in the Overberg: A Story of Labor, Faith, and Heritage
Traveling northward from Volmoed, the missionary station with deep roots in the Moravian Church, through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one eventually reaches Genadendal, the oldest mission station in South Africa. Genadendal, originally founded to evangelize the Khoikhoi, became a sanctuary where the message of grace intersected with the daily struggles of the indigenous people. The Moravian missionaries, with their European sensibilities, brought more than the gospel to the Khoikhoi—they also introduced agricultural practices, teaching the newly converted to grow vegetables, tend to livestock, and adapt to a new kind of life. Amidst these transformations, one animal became central to the story of labor in the region: the humble donkey.
The Khoikhoi, skilled herders and resilient nomads, had long mastered the art of tending cattle and sheep. But with the arrival of missionaries and settlers, new demands were placed on these communities. The donkey, already a known work animal across many civilizations, became integral to the daily life of the farms around Genadendal. Strong, hardy, and reliable, the donkey was used for plowing fields, carrying loads, and pulling carts. It was no longer just an animal of burden—it became a silent partner in the toil of reshaping this corner of the Overberg.
The history of donkeys in South Africa dates back to their introduction by European settlers in 1656, a time when they were prized for their ability to survive in harsh conditions and carry heavy loads. It’s fascinating to think that while these animals were not native to the region, they quickly became indispensable to the communities they served. The same could be said of the converted Khoikhoi, who, like the donkeys, adapted to new roles and realities. Many converted Khoikhoi and San people became laborers, navigating a life between their indigenous traditions and the new Christianized world, much like the "Karretjiemense" of the Great Karoo—another nomadic group whose reliance on donkeys remains crucial to this day.
The "Karretjiemense", often described as the last remnants of the true nomadic Khoisan peoples, have a rich and yet tragic history. Their use of donkey carts to travel from farm to farm, offering sheep-shearing services, is a testament to the enduring role of the donkey in their survival. Just as their ancestors had been pushed to the fringes of society, so too were the donkeys—once central to farming life, now sidelined by the advent of mechanization. Farmers no longer relied on these sturdy creatures to plow fields or carry heavy burdens; instead, they turned to machines that could do the job faster, albeit with less heart. The Karretjiemense, often marginalized and facing deep poverty, continue to depend on their donkeys to navigate the Great Karoo, a semi-arid landscape that offers little sustenance but demands much endurance. In a sense, the donkeys have become symbolic of their own fate—hardworking, resilient, yet overlooked by a modernizing world.
Today, the state of donkeys in South Africa mirrors that of many forgotten communities. While once integral to labor, transportation, and survival, donkeys are now often neglected or mistreated. Sanctuaries like EARS Donkey Sanctuary in the Overberg work tirelessly to rescue and care for donkeys that have been abused or abandoned. The sanctuary, much like the missionaries of the past, offers a place of refuge and rehabilitation, recognizing the invaluable contribution these animals have made to the region's history.
Donkeys are highly social animals, often forming strong bonds not only with other donkeys but also with humans and other species. In the wild, donkeys naturally seek companionship and thrive in pairs or small groups, displaying cooperative behaviors such as mutual grooming, playing, and standing close to one another for comfort and protection. These social behaviors are vital to their emotional well-being, as donkeys can experience stress and anxiety when isolated from their companions. Interestingly, donkeys are also known to form deep, trans-species connections with other animals, including horses, goats, and even dogs, as well as with humans.
Their intelligence and emotional sensitivity enable them to bond with humans in a unique way, often reflecting a sense of loyalty and trust. Donkeys who have been well-treated and cared for tend to show affection, seeking out the company of their human handlers, responding to gentle touch and voice. This need for partnership and connection underscores their role not only as laborers but also as companions, making their relationships with humans and other animals integral to their overall well-being.
In recent years, however, a new and disturbing threat has emerged: the donkey-hide trade. Donkey skins are used to produce a traditional Chinese medicine known as "Ejiao", which is believed to have anti-aging and health benefits. This has led to a surge in the illegal slaughter of donkeys across Africa, including South Africa, where populations of these gentle creatures are now at risk. While some African governments have responded with bans on the trade, the demand remains high, and the impact on rural communities that rely on donkeys for their livelihood is devastating.
It is strange to think that after centuries of service, donkeys are now hunted not for their labor but for their skins. Much like the Khoikhoi and Karretjiemense who once relied on their partnership with these animals, the donkeys too have become victims of exploitation and neglect. Yet, despite the challenges, there is hope—both for the Karretjiemense and their donkeys. As sanctuaries continue to rise, and awareness of the plight of donkeys grows, there remains a chance to honor the legacy of these animals, who have quietly carried the burdens of generations.
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