Khois and coloureds tell ANC of inequities

LEADERS from the Khoisan and the coloured communities yesterday told the ANC they felt marginalised, especially regarding employment.

The leaders met with ANC leaders in Joburg to voice the concerns of their communities, which included sentiments on housing, education and employment.

“The Khoisan were the first inhabitants of South Africa, but we have not seen the recognition of the rights of our people, although they are guaranteed in the constitution.

“There is some level of discrimination, especially when applying for employment in government where one is told they are not black enough to qualify for an affirmative action post,” said the National Khoisan Council’s John van Rooyen.

He added that they felt left out on business matters as they were not recognised at organisations such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council.

“There is the Black Management Forum and the Black Business Council, and we do not have a problem (with) that… but we feel we have been excluded, our consideration is that maybe we could form a Khoisan business council to advance our communities as well.

“It is the same as the idea of black industrialists,” he added.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said his party was trying to build a united nation. “We want to have an integrated nation. We can’t have a Khoisan council on business, on education and so on… we do not want to create bantustans built on race.”

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, and the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Pravin Gordhan were also part of the meeting. – ANA