Heikum, San in Botswana

Introduction / History

The San, or ¡Kung people live in southern Africa. One of their subgroups is the Heikum.
San people were traditionally semi-nomadic, and they are among the most ancient people of the earth.

What Are Their Lives Like?

San Heikum live in small family-based units. Life is simple; children have few duties except to play, and leisure is important to all of them. They spend much of their time joking and telling stories.
San Heikum people gather food and water in ways that would be nearly impossible for outsiders. They find a place where the ground is wet and insert a hollow tube and suck out water. When possible, they settle near water sources until they dry out.
They must also find food in a land with little vegetation. Women collect wild berries, fruit, wild onions and ostrich eggs. Men hunt in groups, and their hunting trips take several days. They use bows and arrows that are tipped with poison taken from beetle larvae. The San Heikum lack enough meat, so they make up the difference with insects such as moths, grasshoppers, caterpillars, butterflies and termites.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The San Heikum have traditional spiritual beliefs, though there is also a strong Christian presence among them.

What Are Their Needs?

All ¡Kung peoples need protection from outsiders. Ironically, those who maintain their lifestyle are able to do so because others cannot survive in their environment. Their homelands usually don’t have enough water or good soil for farmers or cattle ranch

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bless the San Heikum in such a way that they will see his power and goodness and forsake all other gods.
Pray for San Heikum followers of Christ to take the savior’s ways to their families and neighbors.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless the lives of San Heikum families with truth and mercy.

Text Source:   Joshua Project