Khoisan back for answers from Cyril

A Khoisan delegation is back at Union Buildings in Pretoria to get answers to the demands they made last December.

Last year, they camped at the seat of government for 24 days and went on a hunger strike, demanding to see then president Jacob Zuma before then deputy president Ramaphosa met them.

“We did not get any feedback. That is why we are here – to get answers,” Chief Khoisan SA said.

“This is a follow-up on the demands given to Ramaphosa last year.

“The first [demand] was for government to recognise us as the first nation of South Africa.

“The second was for our languages to be official languages of this country. Thirdly, we also want to own land.”

The Khoisan community also wanted their “coloured identity” to be scrapped, he said. “We are not coloureds, call us bushmen, call us Khoisan, but we are not coloureds,” said Chief Khoisan.

Yesterday, he said his community’s mission was to have another dialogue with Ramaphosa.

“We are seeking an audience with the president because it’s important that he tells us why he did not come back to us.

“In January, he acknowledged us in parliament, saying he had met with activists.

“At the same time, he talked about land expropriation without compensation. With that he is withholding land from the rightful owners.”

He said the Presidency had told them that Ramaphosa was not available to meet them this week. “But we made it clear that we will be here until he comes,” said the leader of the Khoisan community.

This time, the community has sent a bigger delegation, including young children. The entourage walked from Port Elizabeth and Durban to Pretoria.

“The message is that our young generation is coming for their identity. They know who they are. It is reclaiming what is rightfully theirs,” said Chief Khoisan. – ANA