Public meeting on bill affecting Khoi-San and tribal leaders

THE effects of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill will be thrashed out at a public hearing to be held at the Gelvandale community hall tomorrow.

The 96-page bill was tabled in parliament last year and could give formal and statutory recognition to Khoi-San communities.

The bill also aims to transform traditional and Khoi-San institutions, putting them in line with the constitution, with customary law as a foundation.

Residents are invited to give their inputs and voice their opinions at the last public hearing meeting in the province from 9am.

Chief Xam#gaob Maleiba, of the Damasonqua tribe, said attending the meeting was of vital importance as many Bay residents would learn about the bill for the first time.

“The people, including Khoi-San [leaders, will] give their suggestions, criticism, and their views on the bill,” Maleiba said.

“We are very concerned that many people have not been exposed to the bill.

“They still need to be taught about its meaning and content,” he said.

He said there was also concern that tomorrow’s meeting was the only one for people in Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounds.

“There is no other official opportunity for community leaders, and people in areas like the Langkloof, Baviaanskloof, Gamtoos Valley and Tsitsikamma who are affected.

“It is a concern that they won’t be able to comment on the bill,” Maleiba said.

The public participation process has already started in other regions of the province, with 28 organisations representing people from rural areas challenging the bill and the process itself.

Several traditional leader organisations yesterday expressed dissatisfaction, saying: “This bill is a massive attack on the democratic and progressive evolution of living customary law from the people themselves.

“We are extremely unhappy that the first round of public hearings held in Mthatha on Monday was a manifest failure in public consultation.”

Buses to the Gelvandale community hall will depart at 8am tomorrow morning from Schauderville, the Malabar community centre, Booysen Park and Kleinskool.

Further details: contact Margaret Coetzee, 076-552-4723.