‘You can't put a price on justice': Mackenzie on reburials of ancestral remains and exile repatriation project
The government doesn't yet know how much it will cost to rebury the remains of Khoe and San ancestors or to bring home the remains of freedom fighters who died in exile, but minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton Mackenzie says the cost doesn't matter.
'It can't cost enough because people gave their lives. You can't put a cost to a life,' Mackenzie said during a media briefing on Monday.
Mackenzie announced two major national projects: the reburial of 58 ancestral remains from the Khoe and San communities and the next phase of the Exile Repatriation Project, both backed by the government of national unity.
'These are not just projects — they are acts of justice, remembrance and healing.
'They affirm our government's commitment to restore dignity, promote cultural restoration and confront the painful legacy of apartheid. These initiatives are about re-humanisation. They are spiritual but, most importantly, they are necessary,' he said.
Mackenzie said the 58 ancestral remains originating from the Northern Cape would be reburied in consultation with affected communities, including the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San.
The process was being led by the Iziko Museums, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and a local task team.
'It is not just about returning the remains to the soil. It is about restoring dignity. It is about fulfilling cultural and spiritual obligations. It is about healing the deep wounds of dispossession and, most importantly, historical erasure,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
‘You can't put a price on justice': McKenzie on reburials of ancestral remains and exile repatriation project
The government doesn't yet know how much it will cost to rebury the remains of Khoe and San ancestors or to bring home the remains of freedom fighters who died in exile, but minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie says the cost doesn't matter. 'It can't cost enough because people gave their lives. You can't put a cost to a life,' McKenzie said during a media briefing on Monday. McKenzie announced two major national projects: the reburial of 58 ancestral remains from the Khoe and San communities and the next phase of the Exile Repatriation Project, both backed by the government of national unity. 'These are not just projects — they are acts of justice, remembrance and healing. 'They affirm our government's commitment to restore dignity, promote cultural restoration and confront the painful legacy of apartheid. These initiatives are about re-humanisation. They are spiritual but, most importantly, they are necessary,' he said. McKenzie said the 58 ancestral remains originating from the Northern Cape would be reburied in consultation with affected communities, including the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San. The process was being led by the Iziko Museums, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and a local task team. 'It is not just about returning the remains to the soil. It is about restoring dignity. It is about fulfilling cultural and spiritual obligations. It is about healing the deep wounds of dispossession and, most importantly, historical erasure,' he said.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
South Africa's groundbreaking repatriation initiatives for Khoi and San remains
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie held a press briefing to provide an update on two important national initiatives dedicated to remembrance, restorative justice, and the dignified return of South African ancestors and liberation heroes. Image: GCIS The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has taken significant steps towards healing historical injustices by announcing two transformative projects: the reburial of Khoi and San ancestral human remains, and the second phase of the Exile Repatriation Project. These initiatives not only aim to restore dignity to ancestors but also honour the memory of those who sacrificed everything for the nation's freedom. Minister Gayton McKenzie emphasised the need to correct historical wrongs, saying: 'These are acts of justice, remembrance, and healing.' The minister acknowledged the individuals whose lives were marked by dispossession and erasure. 'Today we gather not only to give an update but to honour the memory of those whose dignity was stolen through centuries of injustice.' The first initiative focuses on the reburial of 58 ancestral remains originating from the Northern Cape. These remains, belonging to South Africa's First Peoples - the Khoi, San, and other indigenous groups - were treated as mere objects, displayed in museums or studied in laboratories, often without consent. The reburial process is led collaboratively by significant partners including Iziko Museums of South Africa and the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), under the guidance of the Northern Cape Reburial Task Team. This team represents the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San communities, ensuring that the process is respectful and reflective of cultural practices. The minister highlighted the profound significance of this act. 'It is not just about returning remains to the soil. It is about restoring dignity and fulfilling cultural and spiritual obligations,' he said. In a move to expand these efforts, discussions have begun with the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow, seeking to return more Khoi and San remains to South Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The second initiative, the Exile Repatriation Project, aims to bring home the thousands of South Africans who were forced into exile during the liberation struggle, many of whom were never able to return and were buried in unmarked graves. The foundation for this initiative was laid with a request from Military Veterans in 2019, later recognised through Cabinet's approval of a National Policy aimed at the Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects in 2021. This policy establishes a clear framework to bring home and honour those who died in exile, reflecting on their immense sacrifices. Looking ahead, a technical mission is set to commence soon, with a delegation travelling to Angola, Lesotho, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This mission will involve inspecting cemetery records, mapping graves, and conducting historical and archival research to facilitate the repatriation process. The ministry has called on the public to assist in this effort. Families of former exiles are encouraged to share any relevant information, including names, photos, and dates that may aid in locating those lost to history. Emphasising the importance of national healing and the restoration of dignity for both the deceased and the living, the minister urged all South Africans to participate in this path of remembrance and nation-building. Cape Times
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
‘You can't put a price on justice': Mackenzie on reburials of ancestral remains and exile repatriation project
The government doesn't yet know how much it will cost to rebury the remains of Khoe and San ancestors or to bring home the remains of freedom fighters who died in exile, but minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton Mackenzie says the cost doesn't matter. 'It can't cost enough because people gave their lives. You can't put a cost to a life,' Mackenzie said during a media briefing on Monday. Mackenzie announced two major national projects: the reburial of 58 ancestral remains from the Khoe and San communities and the next phase of the Exile Repatriation Project, both backed by the government of national unity. 'These are not just projects — they are acts of justice, remembrance and healing. 'They affirm our government's commitment to restore dignity, promote cultural restoration and confront the painful legacy of apartheid. These initiatives are about re-humanisation. They are spiritual but, most importantly, they are necessary,' he said. Mackenzie said the 58 ancestral remains originating from the Northern Cape would be reburied in consultation with affected communities, including the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San. The process was being led by the Iziko Museums, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and a local task team. 'It is not just about returning the remains to the soil. It is about restoring dignity. It is about fulfilling cultural and spiritual obligations. It is about healing the deep wounds of dispossession and, most importantly, historical erasure,' he said.
