English: South African national drink, the Rooibos is an infusion with reddish colors that invades the planet Tea! An endemic plant, this "red bush" grows mainly on the high plateaux of the Bokkeveld, located at 320Km north of the Cape. It is an invaluable resource for the isolated local populations, which goes far beyond the simple economic aspect.
It is in the small town of Nieuwoutdville, nestled in the northern part of the Cederberg mountains, that is based the cooperative "Heiveld". It consists of 64 members and producers of Rooibos, all of the colored population, whose plots extend all along the plateau.
Established in 2001, it is the culmination of long years of exploration and collaboration between local producers, Rooibos traders, and other consultants. Above all, it represents the fulfillment of a dream. The one of a handful of producers who, under the Apartheid regime, had the crazy idea of becoming owners of their land. In order to exist and emancipate themselves, to live more than to survive.
"The rooibos brought us much more than we could have imagined. We have become autonomous and united. This is my conception of freedom "concludes Pieter Koopman, president of the cooperative, perched above the valley.
In silence, his gaze then arises on the fields of wild rooibos spreading as far as the eye can see, on the lands of his childhood. Where dreams come true. Where souls bind themselves in the same destiny. Where only one colour predominates, now, The Red.