15 November 2024
National Assembly Debate
The Presiding Officers,
Honourable Members of this August House,
This sitting of this house is an expression of the Khoisan mantra of IKE XARRA which means “ Diverse People Unite”. This is a call from our Ancestors to build a united and prosperous country embracing its rich diverse cultural heritage
Honourable Members,
This debate is crucial in helping us to understand the origins and contributions by the Khoisan people to the resistance against colonialism and apartheid. It also offers us a platform to confirm the historical accuracy of South Africa’s complex history thus allowing us the opportunity to correct historical fallacies.
The debate on the Khoisan’s role helps preserve their culture, language, and traditions, which are essential to South Africa’s diverse heritage. This debate must contribute towards reconciliation and healing by acknowledging past injustices and recognizing the Khoisan’s contributions fosters reconciliation and healing among South Africa’s diverse communities.
The inclusion of the Khoisan’s story into the broader narrative of South Africa’s liberation struggle promotes a more inclusive national identity. The recognition of the Khoisan’s historical role can inform policies aimed at restorative justice, addressing historical injustices and promoting social cohesion.
The Pre-Colonial Resistance includes the Khoikhoi and San resistance to European colonization, particularly the Dutch East India Company, which arrived in the Cape in 1652. In the Frontier Wars Khoisan were forcibly removed from their land, leading to a series of wars against Dutch and later British colonizers. Despite colonial suppression, Khoisan people maintained their cultural heritage, which became a symbol of resistance.
The African National Congress (ANC) has a long history of advocating for the rights of indigenous people in South Africa. Our struggle for liberation was driven by the need to address the systemic oppression and exploitation of indigenous people by the colonial and apartheid regimes.
The ANC advocates for socially inclusive society and we note with what has been termed Khoisan revivalism. While empowering to many, Khoisan revivalism has also emboldened some to mobilise a racialised identity politics based on prior occupancy, which today extends beyond the movement.
The ANC remains committed to promoting social justice, cultural preservation and addressing the social and economic disparities faced by indigenous communities.
The Post-Apartheid Recognition of the Khoisan includes official recognition as an indigenous people in the South African Constitution. Furthermore, the Khoisan Language, Khoekhoe, was recognized as one of South Africa’s official languages in 2019. And efforts to revitalize Khoisan culture, language, and traditional knowledge continue.
The South African Government, in restoring human dignity to the Khoi groups, or Cape Khoi; the Nama; Griekwa; Koranna; Khomani; !Xun; !Kwe; and /Xam, have vowed that human remains held in foreign museums, as well as those held in our own museums and universities must be reburied in South African soil.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture developed the Policy on the Restitution and Repatriation of Human Remains and established the Restitutions and Repatriation Office (RRO) as part of the South African Heritage Resources Agency. The RRO is responsible for implementing the processes as outlined in the policy, and crucially, to work with communities to develop proper ritual and or spiritual processes for the reburial of human remains.
The Khoisan’s role in South Africa’s liberation struggle is complex, multifaceted, and ongoing. Efforts to recognize and address historical injustices continue, with a growing movement to acknowledge and celebrate Khoisan contributions.
In 2007 South Africa voted for the adoption of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Declaration aims to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide, including their rights to: Self-determination and autonomy, Land, territory, and resource rights, Cultural preservation and protection, Language and education rights and Health and social services
Underpinned by the principles of restorative justice, government programmes promote the preservation of cultural material and the living heritage of the various Khoi groups. This has resulted in raised international awareness about indigenous rights, Empowerment of indigenous communities to advocate for their rights and Influenced national and regional policies and provided a framework for reconciliation and redress
Under the National Legacy Projects the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is implementing the development of the Sarah Bartmann Centre of Remembrance that has two museums, namely the Sarah Bartmann Museum, and the Khoi and San Museum located within the complex and the National Khoi and San Heritage Route (NKSHR).
The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019 promotes recognition, empowerment, and effective governance of traditional and Khoi-San communities in South Africa. This done to provide statutory recognition to Khoi-San leaders and communities, which was previously lacking . The act facilitates the Establishment of Leadership Structures by setting up kingship or queenship councils, principal traditional councils, traditional councils, Khoi-San councils, and traditional sub-councils to support these communities .
The ACT establishes the National, Provincial, and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders which promote the interests of traditional and Khoi-San communities and the Commission on Khoi-San Matters, creating a platform to address specific needs and concerns of Khoi-San communities ¹.
ROLE OF TRADITIONAL AUTHORITIES
Traditional authorities play a vital role in preserving the culture of indigenous people in South Africa. though Cultural Preservation. Traditional authorities are custodians of indigenous knowledge, customs, and practices. They preserve cultural heritage sites, rituals, and ceremonies.
Traditionally authorities promote indigenous languages and oral traditions, passing down stories, myths, and legends to younger generations, provide guidance and leadership, resolving disputes and promoting social cohesion within communities.
The role of traditional authorities has been under scrutiny in relation to Cultural Education, Representation and Land and Resource Management where they manage communal land and natural resources, ensuring sustainable use and preservation.
Overall, traditional authorities are essential to preserving indigenous cultures in South Africa, promoting cultural diversity and heritage.
PROMOTION OF TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
Honourable Members,
South Africa has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional health care practices play a significant role in the country’s healthcare system. A significant number of South Africans continue to seek health care from traditional healthcare providers. The Traditional Health Practitioners Act (2007) recognizes and regulates traditional health practices. The National Health Act (2003) includes traditional health care as part of the national health system. The collaboration between traditional health practitioners and conventional healthcare providers is important in the continuum of care for people with preference for traditional health practices.
Community Engagement programmes are important for Public awareness campaigns to promote traditional health care and to preserve traditional knowledge.
The Education and Training on traditional medicines contributes Research initiatives to validate traditional remedies.
Sharing knowledge between the National Khoi and San Council and commercial companies can have numerous benefits for all parties involved.
The collaboration with commercial companies can help document and preserve Khoi and San traditional knowledge, ensuring its protection and validation. The Economic benefit through partnerships to generate revenue streams for the Council and its communities through licensing, royalties, or joint ventures.
The exposure to commercial best practices and technology can enhance the Council’s administrative and management capabilities.
Equally so the commercial companies can gain access to unique indigenous knowledge to drive innovation, differentiate products, and provide a competitive edge. The collaboration with the National Khoi and San Council demonstrates a commitment to cultural sensitivity and social responsibility. Partnerships can facilitate entry into new markets, particularly in Africa, and enhance cultural understanding.
By sharing knowledge and expertise, the National Khoi and San Council and commercial companies can create meaningful partnerships that promote cultural preservation, economic development, and sustainable growth.
Thank you.