The hearings were hosted against a background of ongoing allegations of rights violations, including inadequate recognition of the Khoi and San peoples as a distinct group, as well as multiple forms of discrimination and marginalisation; lack of land redistribution; access to basic services; equitable employment opportunities, and inadequate measures to protect and promote language and cultural rights. The focus of the hearings was taken in line with international standards recognising and took into account recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right of Indigenous Peoples following his visit to South Africa in July 2005.

The SAHRC’s inquiry found that more than a decade after the visit of the Special Rapporteur, his recommendations remain largely unfulfilled.
Although the Khoi and San are a minority and constitute a small part of the population in the country, their vulnerability is exacerbated by ongoing stigmatisation, lack of recognition and marginalisation. There is a decline of their distinct cultures, languages and traditional ways of life. The Khoi and San peoples seek among others: assistance to ensure equal access to employment opportunities, language recognition and allocation of land and service delivery.

The SAHRC will engage with the relevant government departments to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are implemented. Pursuant to its mandate, the SAHRC will advocate for the realisation of the rights enshrined in the Constitution which compel South Africa to heal the divisions of the past and to establish a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights.

In addition to the recommendations of the report, the SAHRC welcomes the pronouncement in the House of Traditional Leaders by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to establish a Commission to look into matters affecting the Khoi and San. The SAHRC will avail itself to assist in the work of this Commission once it is established.

The report has been launched in the Northern Cape (20 March 2018) and will be launched in the Western Cape (22 March 2018) and the Eastern Cape (23 March 2018).
Date:               22 March 2018
Venue:             SAHRC Western Cape Provincial Office, 7th Floor ABSA building, 132 Adderley Street, Cape Town, Tel:                 021 426 2277
Time:              11h00 – 13h00
Contact:          Commissioner Chris Nissen 078 804 1888 or Lloyd Lotz, WC Provincial Manager 072 840 7910

Date:               23 March 2018
Venue:             Cleerypark Centre, Cleerypark, Northern Areas, Port Elizabeth
Time:              13h00
Contact:          Commissioner Chris Nissen 078 804 1888 or Abongile Sipondo, Eastern Cape Provincial Manager 083 609 0833


Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission