RIP: Khoisan SA Queen Cynthia Triegardt to be laid to rest at Van der Kemp Kloof Reserve
The life and legacy of Khoisan SA Queen Cynthia Triegardt will be honoured and celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Van der Kemp Kloof Reserve in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha, where she will be laid to rest.
A Tragic Loss for the Khoisan Community
Queen Cynthia Triegardt tragically passed away at the age of 54 following a fatal accident that also left her husband, King Khoisan SA (Driegaat), seriously injured. The incident occurred earlier this month between Noupoort and Colesberg, marking a devastating loss for the Khoisan royal family and their followers.
She leaves behind her husband, three children, and a vast network of family, friends, and supporters, all mourning her untimely passing.
Nationwide Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
On Friday, January 31, 2025, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyani’s office released a statement confirming the funeral arrangements and expressing condolences to the grieving family.
The funeral is expected to attract mourners from across South Africa, including representatives from the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. A bus, sponsored by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, will transport supporters to pay their final respects to the Queen.
The choice of Van der Kemp Kloof Reserve as the funeral venue is significant, as it reflects Queen Cynthia’s deep connection to nature and her Khoisan heritage. The picturesque setting will provide a fitting tribute to her legacy of cultural preservation and activism.
A Life Dedicated to the Khoisan People
Born on March 7, 1970, in the Damasqua Territory, Queen Cynthia’s roots trace back to the ancestral lands of the old Baviaans, Willowmore, and Graaff-Reinet, now part of the Camdeboo National Park.
Her life was marked by tireless advocacy for the rights and recognition of the Khoi and San communities. She worked passionately to preserve their cultural heritage and empower indigenous women and young girls.
Throughout her 31-year marriage to King Khoisan SA, Queen Cynthia stood as a pillar of strength, working alongside her husband to fight for the rights of the Khoisan people. She was instrumental in the couple’s presence at the Union Buildings, where they raised critical issues facing their community.
“Her commitment to unity and justice for the Khoi and San peoples will remain a lasting legacy,” the statement from the Eastern Cape Premier’s office read.
Government Support and Public Recognition
The Eastern Cape Government and Premier Mabuyani’s office have been deeply involved in ensuring that Queen Cynthia receives a dignified farewell.
The family has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from the provincial government, as well as from people across South Africa who admired the Queen’s dedication to justice and indigenous rights.
The provincial government emphasized that Queen Cynthia’s contributions will serve as an inspiration to future generations of indigenous South Africans in their ongoing fight for dignity, recognition, and equality.
An Outpouring of Grief and Celebration of Her Legacy
The upcoming funeral is expected to be an emotional yet celebratory event, as people gather to honour Queen Cynthia’s life and reflect on the impact she had on the Khoisan community.
Hundreds of mourners, including traditional leaders, government officials, and activists, are set to attend, underscoring the deep respect and admiration she commanded.
The Van der Kemp Kloof Reserve, with its breathtaking natural beauty, has been chosen as a symbolic resting place for a woman who championed indigenous land rights and environmental preservation.
As South Africa bids farewell to Queen Cynthia Triegardt, her legacy of strength, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the Khoi and San communities will live on. Her passing is a great loss, but her spirit and mission will continue to inspire future generations to fight for their rights and heritage.
