Khoisan community gives govt 14 days to respond to its list of demands

CAPE TOWN - The Khoisan community has given the government 14 days to respondent to a list of demands.

On Thursday, the group of around 150 people marched to Parliament, to formally hand over their declaration and memorandum.

They’re calling on the government to acknowledge and recognise them and their rights.

The group representing several indigenous groups, is demanding that the government acknowledge their right to land and to respect their traditional laws.

The call comes as part of a national movement calling for the acknowledgement of the heritage and claims of first nations.

The memorandum was received by a government official.

Larry Varrie, from the Greater Aboriginal Community Council of Southern Africa, said the ball is now in the government’s court.

“The memorandum has been signed, and the memorandum has been returned, so all that we’re doing now is that we’re giving them a 14 day notice, our people who are members of Parliament said this thing will be responded to in 14 days, if not we will take it to the media, then we will decide as a people, if they’re not going to give it we’re going to take it.”

The Khoisan believe that they should govern themselves, and that the government should respect their constitutional rights.