Khoi and San communities call on govt to recognise them as first nations of SA

CAPE TOWN - The Khoi and San communities are calling on government to recognise them as the aboriginal people of Southern Africa.  

They are also calling for their traditional laws to be recognised and respected by the government.  

Representatives from various indigenous groups marched to Parliament on Thursday to hand over a memorandum.

Larry Varrie, from the Greater Aboriginal Community Council of Southern Africa, said that for 31 years, government had failed to uphold the Constitution in respect of the Khoi and San.

"Part of what we’ve demanded from the government is that they recognise us as the first nation of South Africa. Other governments have done it, that is still run by white governments in Australia. Why is it that a parliament with an African majority cannot recognise the first people? Then there’s something wrong with this country."