Culture

Griqua Culture

Sacred Sites

The Griqua Peoples under the GNC of SA regard and respect two sites as sacred spiritual places, namely:

The Burial site of Paramount Chief Andrew Abraham Stokenström le Fleur I, also known as Robberg amongst Griqua people, which is located on the farm Brakkloof, Robberg Penisula, Plettenberg Bay. Paramount Chief le Fleur I passed on in 1941 and was laid to rest at the site.

The Monument site at Ratelgat (Farm Luiperdskop). Paramount Chief le Fleur I resided since 1920’s until 1933 at Ratelgat with a number of his followers and continue to visit the until 1941. Paramount Chief le Fleur I is also known as the Servant of God and he made many predictions and communicated many prophecies from Ratelgat. Paramount Chief A.A.S. le Fleur II (1923 -2004) was also laid to rest on the site where the hut of Paramount Chief le Fleur was located and now honoured and respected as a sacred site.

Monuments

Monument and burial sites of Adam Kok III and his wife Marget Kok at Kokstad. The Griqua peoples of the GNC of SA, acknowledge all historical hereditary, duly elected leaders of the Kok dynasty for their invaluable contribution to lead the Griqua peoples.

House of Paramount Chief le Fleur I at Jakkalskraal. The late Paramount Chief resided at Jakkalskraal since 1927until his death in 1941. GNC of SA are giving due consideration for the Declaration of the house as a heritage site.

Grave of Paramount Chief Andrew Abraham Stockenström le Fleur I, who passed on 11 June 1941 and buried on the farm Brakkloof, Robberg Penisula, Plettenberg Bay.
Volksmonument, Kranshoek in honor of Paramount Chief A.A.S. le Fleur I, his wife, Kroonmoeder Racheal Sussanna le Fleur (born Kok) and all Griqua oudstryders (veterens) that passed on.

Monument in honour of Jacob and his son Langie Mouwers, erected in 1979 on the Farm Corn flats in Tweespruit, Northern Free State Paramount Chief A.A.S. le Fleur II. The Monument was unveiled by the Griqua Peoples and Paramount Chief A.A.S. le Fleur II in 1979. Father and son lost their lives fighting in a battle in 1865.

Monument at Ratelgat in honour of Paramount Chief le Fleur I, his followers and the prophecies made by Paramount Chief le Fleur I, erected in 1992

Intersessors (Vog)

The name Vog is synonymous with the fog or morning dew. It is an institution initiated by the Kneg to which a select group of Griqua women and men. They devote their lifes to pray for the wellbeing and prosperity of the Paramount Chief and Griqua Peoples and give spiritual guidance through speeches to Griqua. Peoples. Members of the Vog is appointed by the Paramount Chief and they only partake at public Griqua events only upon instruction by the Paramount Chief.

Guard Of Honour (Erewag)

The Guard of honour consist of youth (boys and girls) and perform to accord honour during national gatherings or on instruction of the Paramount Chief.

Honorary Funerals

A cultural Practice by honouring Griqua stalwarts (oudstryders) for their invaluable contributions as a member or in leadership roles within the bodies of the GNC of SA. The decision to bestow a deceased with an honorary funeral resides solely with the Paramount Chief. The following cultural aspects are part of an honorary funeral, namely presence of the Paramount Chief or his representative, Paramount Chiefs personal Choir, a Guard of honour, with GNC of SA regalia and the draping of the Griqua Cultural flag (Volksvlag).

Bodyguard Choir (Lyfkoor)

The Lyfwagkoor was established by Paramount Chief A.A.S. le Fleur II as the personal choir. The choir accompanies the Paramount Chief to ceremonies and events and performs at his behest at ceremonies, gatherings. Members of the Choir are selected by the Paramount chief.

Riel Dance

The indigenous riel dance was revived within the GNC of SA with the establishment of dance teams at branch level. Teams were mainly developed in Vredendal and Kranshoek.

Griqua Choral Singing

Establishment of Griqua Choirs on the Cape Flats in 1919 by Paramount Chief le Fleur I was to give effect to the outcry by Sir Frederick de Waal, The Governor general at the Cape, for aid and assistance the families that lost their employment due to the closing of the copper mines in O’kiep. Choirs started with street collections by performing choral singing though the streets of Cape town, the Grande Parade, etc. Subsequently choirs were also sent to various towns of South Africa to Gather the dead bones of Adam Kok into a new reformed Griqua peoples under the le Fleur leadership.

Griqua Cultural Flag

Griqua Ceremonial Calendar

Cultural Days Of Celebration

10 March

Birth of Paramount Chief Abraham Andrew le Fleur

Commemoration of the birth of Paramount Chief Abraham Andrew le Fleur observed through community gatherings and remembrance.

3 April

Breekwaterdag

Commemoration of the release of Paramount Chief A A S le Fleur I from the Breakwater prison in Cape Town.

6 April

Establishment of the Griqua Independent Church

The founding of the Griqua Independent Church in 1920 by Paramount Chief le Fleur I during a conference held in Maitland Town Hall Cape Town.

11 May

Ratelgatdag

Birthday of Paramount Chief A A S le Fleur II renamed in 1999 to acknowledge his exceptional contribution in securing Ratelgat for the Griqua Peoples.

The celebration gives thanksgiving to God honours fulfilled prophecies and seeks continued blessing and protection for the Griqua Peoples.
2 July

Founders Day Stigtersdag

Birthday of Paramount Chief A A S le Fleur I commemorating his life leadership and the establishment of the GNC of SA as the home of the Griqua peoples.

10 September

Monumentsdag

Commemoration of the unveiling of the Volksmonument marking a significant moment in Griqua heritage.

14 October

Moedersdag

Birthday of the Kroonmoeder Rachel Susanna le Fleur honouring her life contribution and celebrating all mothers.

21 November

Oumensfees

Festival for the elderly held on the birthday of Jonghoof Adam Johannes le Fleur celebrating wisdom memory and continuity.

31 December

Year end ceremony Jaarafsluit

An evening ceremony of thanksgiving for protection during the year and prayers for prosperity in the year ahead held at Brakkloof Robberg Peninsula Plettenberg Bay.

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