The context of transhumance

Transhumance, or trekking in South African settler language, was intrinsic to white and black livestock management up to the early decades of the twentieth century. By transhumance, we mean the movement of people with livestock – a practice common to many societies, especially but not only in regions with large areas of pastureland held in common. The practice is not restricted to pastoralists, or those who specialise in livestock, and it takes a multitude of forms.

In the past, most African societies found it necessary to move their animals during the year, sometimes over considerable distances. Colonisation, private property and veterinary restrictions on movement made this increasingly difficult during the twentieth century. Yet the practice survives on a small scale in particular localities. This chapter explores the rationale and parameters of transhumance historically, and offers two examples of localised movement, in Mbotyi, Mpondoland, and QwaQwa. We suggest that transhumance in South Africa was shaped not least by the imperatives of animal nutrition and health, including the avoidance of specific animal diseases.