Khoisan chief lauds recognition of Khoisan heritage in multi-billion rand River Club development
A sod-turning event was held for the multi-billion rand development at the River Club Heritage Site in Observatory on Wednesday.
Dignitaries attended the sod turning ceremony at the River Club in Observatory, Cape Town on 20 March 204. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Chief of the Khoisan people and the leader of the First Nations Group, Zenzile Khoisan, has lauded the recognition of the Khoisan Heritage by the Liesbeek Leisure Properties Trust.
This as aspects of the Khoisan heritage were incorporated in the multi-billion rand development at the River Club Heritage Site in Observatory on Wednesday.
The Khoisan chief was speaking at the sod-turning event of the development on Wednesday.
Among notable dignitaries at the event were Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The R4.6 billion development will also comprise a media centre where the Khoisan community's stories and history will be told.
While it's earmarked for retail online giant headquarters, Amazon, shopping malls, and residential properties will also be included in the development.
The Supreme Court of Appeal in 2023 indicated that developers must ensure heritage groups such as the Khoisan people and their traditions are recognised.
Chief Zenzile said so far, the court order has been followed and respected by the developers.
"They are not obstructed, the centre has been built very clearly to ensure that we have a clear site of Lion’s Head. This is because it carries a lot of spiritual and cultural significance."
He, however, pointed out that it’s the government of the day who sold the Khoisan land to developers, and not the Khoisan people.