Meet Yolande Le Roux, SAHTA Director – Team Leader: Traditional Knowledge Portfolio Committee
Meet Yolande Le Roux, SAHTA Director – Team Leader: Traditional Knowledge Portfolio Committee
I became involved in the Honeybush industry after joining the Honeybush Community of Practice (HCoP), where I met Eugene Smith, the previous SAHTA Chairperson. He recognized the need for greater participation and representation of Indigenous communities within the industry and invited me to serve as a SAHTA Director.
I am an advocate for the rights of First Nation Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Communities, specifically the Khoe and Xam. I am also the founder of the “Indigenous Economy Concept” and an Indigenous Entrepreneur active in the Biodiversity Economy. Within SAHTA, I lead the Traditional Knowledge (TK) Portfolio Committee, which is tasked with negotiating an industry-wide Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Agreement. Our goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that recognizes and respects the rights of TK holders while supporting sustainable industry growth.
One of our key milestones to date is the hosting of three ABS negotiation meetings, and we look forward to continued engagements that will lead to the signing of a final agreement. This agreement could unlock new trade opportunities in previously restricted markets — including key EU countries.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, my goal is the successful signing of the ABS agreement and laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable industry. My broader hope is to see the Honeybush sector expand its developmental approach, as enshrined in the SAHTA constitution.
Preserving and passing on traditional knowledge is a priority. A beautiful example is the legacy of the “Old Teemakers” in Haarlem. It’s my dream to preserve their knowledge, not only for future generations but also as a way to enhance local tourism and create opportunities for youth and women.