Khwe

The Khwe are an indigenous Khoisan-speaking people of southern Africa. They are part of the broader Khoisan language family and speak the Khwe language, which uses click consonants and is related to other Khoe-Kxoe languages.

Geographically, Khwe communities are concentrated in the northeast of Namibia, particularly in the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) and adjoining Kavango areas. Smaller groups live in eastern Angola near the Namibian border. Traditionally, Khwe territory bordered savanna and river systems, and many communities now live in mixed settlements with other ethnic groups.

Culturally, the Khwe have historically been hunter-gatherers with extensive ecological knowledge of local plants, animals, and rivers. Their material culture includes beadwork, skin and hide crafts, and music rooted in community gatherings and storytelling. The language and ritual practices are central to group identity, and social organization often centers on kinship lines and communal decision making.

Historically, during the late 20th century some Khwe served as trackers for the South African Defence Force in regional conflicts. Following Namibian independence, some Khwe joined the Namibian Defence Force. Today, many Khwe live in Namibia’s Zambezi Region, where land rights, language maintenance, education, and access to services are ongoing concerns. In Angola, smaller Khwe communities face similar issues within the broader regional context. The Khwe continue to navigate issues of cultural preservation and adaptation in contemporary southern Africa.