Since 2001, the Redbush Tea Company has been working towards a sustainable future for the San Bushmen of Namibia, and this year two Bushman villages in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy will have access to a reliable source of clean water thanks to the company’s ongoing efforts.
Two special raised water tanks have been funded from the profits of an exhibition of San Bushman art, entitled Colours of the Kalahari, which was organized in London in September 2013 by the Redbush Tea Company in collaboration with the Namibian Tourism Board. The village of Dou Pos will be the first to benefit from the project.
The Redbush Tea Company is extending the campaign in 2014 through an on-pack promotion which aims to raise enough money to provide another five villages with water tanks. The special promotional packs will be in store in February, with 2p from every pack going towards the fund.
“It costs around £2,000 to buy and install each 10,000-litre tank,” explains Marie Heyes, the company’s director. “On cloudy days, when solar-powered pumps won’t work, these vital tanks make it possible for villagers to continue feeding themselves and their livestock, and to water their crops.”
Heyes adds: “We give a percentage of our profits to support the Kalahari Bushmen, but every year we also raise money for specific and worthwhile projects such as this one.”
The company has raised over £100,000 in total to help preserve this vanishing culture.
