KhoiSan recognition Bill moves forward

The Khoi and San are a step closer to being legally recognised as a nation with their own traditional leaders and communities after the Bhisho legislature adopted the Traditional and KhoiSan Leadership Bill last week. A Weekend Post report notes the Bill aims to recognise Khoi and San structures and communities and also to include them in the House of Traditional Leaders. The Bill aims to recognise Khoi and San leadership structures and communities not yet addressed in law. Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Fikile Xasa said the Bill spoke about an inclusive traditional leadership which included Khoi and San leaders. ‘The issue of jurisdiction by the traditional leaders will be addressed but for now the Bill will be endorsed,’ Xasa said. Khoi and San Chief Crawford Fraser said they accepted the Bill knowing amendments still had to be made. Fraser said the Khoi and San leadership were clear that the first thing they needed was land so that they could perform their rituals. He said they also wanted to be recognised as the first indigenous people of Southern Africa which – in its current form – the Bill does not do.