The Lion
Order and authority
The lion represents strength, regal bearing, order and authority, and is incorporated in the insignia of several indigenous institutions, specifically the Griqua Royal house from the dynasty started by Adam Kok, the founding father of the Griqua indigenous people. Land grants issued by Adam Kok and his successors featured the symbol of the lion. The legendary Kalahari San leader Dawid Kruiper was known as the Lion of the Red Dunes and within the resurgence, the Cochoqua Tribal Council emblem features the Cape lion.
We believe that God is the Ruler of the universe and the lion symbolises that belief. It’s not surprising that it’s referred to as the “king of the jungle”. Look at that lush mane! When they have cubs, the female is more dangerous than the male. Together, however, they enforce authority with mighty roars.
The Griqua Royal House and the Cochoqua Tribal Council have chosen the lion – the symbol of rulers. The first colonial occupation, under the rule of the most powerful economic giant of the 17th century – the United East India Company (VOC) – was brutal. We were the first South Africans who bore the brunt of that colonial onslaught, which led to the first Khoi War of Resistance from 1659-60. The Goringhaiqua’s Nomaä-Doman was their commander-in-chief, followed by the guerilla tactics of the Cochoqua’s co-leader, Ngonnomoa, from 1673-77. Meanwhile, the expansion of the Cape continued with inhuman force. Away from the Castle violent raiders drove the native Khoi-San from their traditional hunting grounds and pastures.
On the West Coast were the indigenous ǂKhxari-Guriqua (Little Grigriqua) and Kái-Guriqua (Great Grigriqua). Adam Kok I’s background was slave history and with ingenuity he forged the remaining Grigriqua, Khoi-Basters and free slaves on his farm near Piketberg into a new, strong community.
However, Adam Kok I never forgot his Protector and in 1765 founded a Christian Griqua church, which contained both elements of spirituality for he was married to a royal Khoi woman. For a very long time the Kok dynasty has been established within Griqualand West and East. Currently it’s governed by King Adam Kok V with his headquarters in Campbell and Head Captain Aaron Messelaar as his right-hand man. We thank this “pride of lions” – the only Khoi main group that could display their nationhood on identity cards throughout the Dutch, English and apartheid periods – as Griqua-Africans.
Within this main grouping there are other communities such as the well-established Le Fleur-Griqua with their headquarters at Plettenberg Bay.”
-Dr. Willa Boezak
Text from Struggle of an Ancient Faith: the Khoi-San of South Africa.
Cape Town: Bidvest Data, 2017.
