25 June 1677
Cochoqua submission ends the seventeenth-century Khoikhoi–Dutch war
After four years of warfare and major livestock losses, Gonnema and the Cochoqua accepted VOC terms that included an annual cattle tribute.
By 1677, four years of campaigning had disrupted Cochoqua trade and cost the polity large numbers of cattle and sheep. The VOC had also cultivated Khoekhoe rivals and allies, narrowing Gonnema's room to rebuild his herds or restore his earlier position in regional exchange.
On 25 June, Gonnema and the Cochoqua accepted terms that ended active fighting. The agreement required an annual cattle tribute and formal submission to the Company. For the VOC, the settlement promised safer trade, more secure access to livestock and recognition of its authority. For the Cochoqua, it ended further attacks and herd losses but formalised a reduced political position after military defeat.
Significance
The settlement reduced Cochoqua autonomy and increased VOC influence over regional trade and politics. Annual tribute made the new balance of power materially visible rather than simply restoring the pre-war trading relationship.
Why it matters
The settlement reduced Cochoqua autonomy, institutionalised annual tribute and gave the VOC more secure access to livestock and greater influence in regional politics.
Perspective notes
The agreement ended active fighting and met the VOC's security and trade objectives. The scale of preceding Cochoqua livestock losses is important to understanding why Gonnema accepted tribute and formal submission.