Latest news with #Khoi
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- 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
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa leads initiatives to restore dignity through repatriation of 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 South African 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. Speaking on the importance of the occasion, department minister Gayton McKenzie emphasised the need to correct historical wrongs, stating, 'These are acts of justice, remembrance, and healing.' The minister acknowledged the individuals whose lives were marked by dispossession and erasure, saying, 'Today we gather not only to give an update but to honour the memory of those whose dignity was stolen through centuries of injustice.' Reburial of Khoi and San ancestral human remains The first initiative focuses on the reburial of 58 ancestral remains originating from the Northern Cape. For far too long, 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.' 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 Exile repatriation project – phase two 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 project represents a moral duty for the South African government, echoing the sentiments expressed by the minister regarding the importance of honouring those who gave their lives for freedom. 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 upon 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. A path forward The minister concluded with a powerful reminder: 'These are not acts of charity. These are acts of justice.' 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. 'Let us walk this path together,' they said, calling for collective action to honour past injustices and build a more inclusive future for all.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
President Ramaphosa to answer these six questions in parliament on Tuesday
Are Indians, coloureds, whites and Khoi/San Africans? Ramaphosa to clarify during parliament Q and A session. President Cyril Ramaphosa will field multiple questions from members of parliament on Tuesday afternoon. At least six of the president's answers will be for oral reply and will feature topics of national and international importance. The opportunity for Ramaphosa to respond to questions in person forms part of an oversight mechanism for members of parliament to hold the executive to account. Ramaphosa Q and A Ramaphosa will set the parliamentary tone for the week, after which ministers in the social services sector will field their own questions. Here are the six topics for Ramaphosa to elaborate on: Proposed mineral resource taxation The ANC's Mdumiseni Ntuli will be inquiring about the taxation of extracted minerals as a way to fund economic growth. Ntuli cited a World Bank report stating that governments globally were missing out on 60% of the potential revenue from exported minerals. South Africa already has a Mineral Petroleum and Resources Royalty (MPRR) payable when transferring minerals extracted from the Republic. It has been in effect since March 2010 with all funds collected going to the National Revenue Fund. Cost of basic household necessities Statistics South Africa's monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April showed a 2.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Since 2020, the CPI has fluctuated between 3% and 6% for the same mid-year period, exacerbated by the interest rate. However, a National Planning Commission research report into cost of living trends showed that poverty rates since 2011 were broadly similar across various groupings. DA's George Michalakis will be asking what the president plans to do to shield South Africans from consumer pressures. National policies for economic growth The same shows that while basic services in the country have expanded to wider areas, the quality of the services has declined. This has had a particularly significant impact on low-income communities, with cities across the country struggling to provide greater economic opportunities. 'The composition of household income has remained largely unchanged over the period…confirming the importance of labour market income for escaping poverty,' the report read. Freedom Front Plus' Corne Mulder will be pressing the president on his policies for economic growth. SA's role in resolving Ukraine conflict Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky visited South Africa in April but left within hours after Kyiv, the Capital of Ukraine, was hit by a barrage of bombs. Ramaphosa has met with both sides, but fighting has intensified, with Russia striking several more targets and Ukraine forced to recruit teenagers to the frontline, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. US President Donald Trump has vowed to end the conflict, but has thus far failed to do so. Perhaps Ramaphosa could offer insights into whether he discussed the matter with his US counterpart. Are Indian, Coloured, Khoi, San and white South Africans African? Patriotic Alliance Chief Whip Marlon Daniels will be asking the president about the classifications of race on government forms. The Z83 form is a document that accompanies all applications for job positions within government departments and administrative offices. ALSO READ: Minister defends racial classification on government form, explains why it exists Daniels has previously asserted that the form may be discriminatory as it suggested Africans were separate from the country's other demographics, or considered not African at all. A petition was before parliament in 2022 that sought to remove the word 'coloured' from government forms altogether. Commission of inquiry into apartheid-era investigations The Presidency announced in April that it would establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into alleged attempts to stifle investigations into apartheid-era crimes. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party will be asking about the progress of the inquiry and wants guarantees that it will not be a box-ticking exercise. Ramaphosa's office has deemed the inquiry necessary due to settlement discussions in court having been brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes 'Government will be seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the Commission of Inquiry,' The Presidency stated in April. NOW READ: Trump changes tune and 'agrees' to participate in G20 Summit, Ramaphosa says
Daily Maverick
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Enough is enough! Talk to everyone! Include everyone! We are Afrikaans! I am an Afrikaner!
The ANC held what were described as 'hush-hush' talks on 6 May 2025 with a so-called 'Afrikaner Leadership Network', facilitated by the PAC. What a shame for the ANC to hold one-sided discussions in isolation with only Solidarity, AfriForum, the SA Agri Initiative and the Afrikanerbond on urgent issues in the country. And not even one woman in the mix! Do we really still have to ask this question: 'Who is the Afrikaner?' Does Afrikaner in today's context still only refer to one demographic, as this one-sided meeting would seem to suggest? Our country's Constitution is for everyone. This wilful act is a deliberate snub to the broader Afrikaner community that reflects a rich variety of Afrikaner identities with Afrikaans as their mother tongue, myself included; communities that include brown, white, black and Indian South Africans. It is dangerous for the governing party to only meet with one group whose mother tongue is Afrikaans, who call themselves Afrikaners — Afrikaners who in our 31-year-old democracy still enjoy all the privileges from the previous dispensation — on urgent matters affecting everyone in the country. Kill the Boer I wholeheartedly agree that 'Kill the Boer' should not be sung at all, because farmers don't only consist of the white demographic. We also have many successful black and brown farmers in our country. As a true Afrikaner, I therefore consider this song inappropriate and extremely offensive. Surnames like mine — 'Le Roux' — also confirm my and many others' identity as Afrikaners, as French Huguenots enslaved our Khoi great-grandmothers and fathered children with them who looked like them, yet rejected them as their offspring. Furthermore, South African history scholars also hold the view that the term Afrikaner was widely used to describe local creole people of mixed Khoi, San, Dutch, Baster, Griqua and other colonial-born individuals during the time of the VOC's colonisation of the Cape. The ANC is happy to talk to one group of Afrikaners, but refuses to have in-depth discussions with the Khoi/San/Nama — the first true Afrikaners — who are still being excluded and getting the short end of the stick. My greatest fear is that we are moving further and further away from a South African identity toward nationalism, which completely contradicts our country's Constitution. Our 'leaders' are having talks that do not focus on the future and wellbeing of our children. Let me say it loud and clear: Just stop, please! I am a proud speaker of Afrikaans within a diverse society that recently served more than 15,000 South Africans in Afrikaans over a weekend at Artscape during the Suidoosterfees, and followed this up with a children's festival in Afrikaans for 12,000 children! We at Artscape are also already busy with our isiXhosa High School Festival for the thousands of pupils in our province whose mother tongue is isiXhosa. We include all Afrikaners – women and children. We leave no one behind! Why do certain 'white' organisations continue to exclude brown Afrikaners, and also other white Afrikaners who are not part of their circle? Secrecy and exclusion The secrecy and exclusion of the larger Afrikaans community baffles me. Why continue with one-sided talks about urgent issues? What is more urgent than the future of our children? Enough is enough! Talk to everyone! Include everyone! We are Afrikaans! I am an Afrikaner! The time is ripe for the establishment of an alternative and inclusive Afrikaner movement consisting of all Afrikaans speakers regardless of their ethnic background, which is based on the values of the Constitution and that will focus on and help to get the new South Africa back on the track that we so enthusiastically set in motion in 1994. Let us stand together against corruption. Let us stand together for justice for all, including the disabled. Let us learn from the proactivity of a country like Kenya, which, with its Disability Bill, enshrines the rights to education, employment, health services and accessible public spaces for persons with disabilities, with a clear mandate to national and regional governments to implement these provisions. Let us learn from and support organisations like Lief en Leed for people with disabilities, which was started by people with disabilities in Mamre to empower all people, people who struggle daily just to survive. We as citizens of the country must not keep quiet, and must raise our voices at all times to practise inclusivity at all levels. This is what we need to focus on in South Africa. DM
