Khoisan people in search of voice with bill
THE Khoisan community has never been included in democratic South Africa, according to the Indigenous People’s Organisation of South Africa.
Iposa chairman Joseph Kreeling, who belongs to the Griqua clan, said the Khoisan community had been marginalised by all three regimes, including the democratic government of the day.
“We were never included in the Codesa negotiations. We hope these hearings will provide mechanisms to restore our culture and language.”
Kreeling and many others made submissions yesterday to the portfolio committee on co-operative governance and traditional affairs at a public hearing on the proposed Khoisan Traditional Leadership Bill at Gompo Hall.
Committee chairman Richard Mdakane said the road leading to the hearings had been long and hard.
“Out of these hearings we hope to get a clearer picture of the history of the Khoisan people and how it has developed over the years. The bill, if passed, will provide an insight on how to provide recognition of Khoisan leadership and to withdraw such recognition that has been granted illegitimately,” Mdakane said.
“We have encountered cases where people came and made submissions and claimed kingships that they did not have.” According to the bill, recognition can be considered for withdrawal if the majority of the community concerned request the kingship or queenship to be withdrawn.
“After the bill is passed, the president will institute a commission that will then look at the legitimacy,” Mdakane said.
“The bill has been long overdue but for it to be effective it must include traditional leaders and the Khoisan community,” Kreeling said. —