1 November 1809
Caledon Code promulgated
The Hottentot Proclamation, commonly called the Caledon Code, imposed fixed-residence, registration and pass-style controls on Khoikhoi labourers, tightening colonial labour discipline.
View in timelineThe Hottentot Proclamation, promulgated under Governor the Earl of Caledon, required Khoikhoi labourers to maintain a fixed place of residence and carry documentation when travelling. It also brought labour contracts under closer registration and official supervision.
Significance
The code made colonial movement and labour contracts more closely subject to official control, helping establish a legal framework that was reinforced by later apprenticeship measures.
Why it matters
The code made colonial movement and labour contracts more closely subject to official control, helping establish a legal framework that was reinforced by later apprenticeship measures.
Perspective notes
Colonial officials described the measures as labour regulation and frontier security. For Khoikhoi communities, the requirements constrained movement, residence and bargaining power while enabling coercive service relationships.