Khoisans holds awareness campaign in Kinross
Chief says they were first people in South Africa.
KINROSS – Khoisan in the region held a fundraiser and Khoisan Awareness Day in the streets of Kinross on Saturday, 15 May.
They sold hot dogs and other food to raise money to open what they call a house in Kinross soon.
The Khoisan movement already established houses in Polokwane and other areas.
They need money to buy a vehicle for the house that will be established in Kinross soon.
A so-called house consists of a headwoman and a tribe mother to name a few.
One of the chiefs of the Khoisan movement in the Gert Sibande Region, Mr Bruno Kakora, said the Khoisans were the very first people in South Africa and they still have to fight for their heritage and to get some recognition.
“We want to change our identity from coloured people to Khoisans,” said Mr Kakora.
“Everybody refers to us as coloureds, but we are not coloureds, we are Khoisans.
“We receive no support from the government and our children battle to get jobs.”
Mr Kakora wants to know why Khoisan children do not get jobs or business opportunities like others in South Africa.
“We do not get jobs at the municipality, the police, industries in Kinross or the banks.
“Our children have the same qualifications as others and then we hear other people got the jobs that our children applied for, why do our children not get these jobs?”
Mr Kakora is concerned about the lifestyle of the Khoisan people because of financial difficulties.
“If we go and visit Khoisan families in the area now, you will see they are trying to make plans to get something to eat for tonight.
“We also do not get RDP houses, one of our members have been waiting 21 years now for an RDP house.
“It is time that the government takes us seriously and recognise us for who we are.
“We are people like any other people in South Africa, but we feel forgotten and less privileged than other South Africans.”
If you are a Khoisan in the area and want to join this movement or support the Khoisan people, contact Mr Kakora at 071 267 5850 or Mr Vernon Visagie at 084 860 2224 or Ms Emelda Hutton at 060 796 9372.
Mr Lucky Mhlongo, of the communication department of Govan Mbeki Municipality, said: “The municipality is not funding any tribe and if so, they must submit proof to substantiate their claim.
“The municipality recruitment policy encourages that all people must apply for jobs.
“We do not segregate people to apply because of their race or colour.”
