Urgent Call for Khoi-San Recognition Applications as Deadline Approaches

As the critical deadline of Thursday, May 29, 2025, edges closer, the urgency intensifies for Khoi-San communities and leaders in South Africa to secure their statutory recognition under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019. This legislation, a watershed in the effort to integrate historically marginalized groups into the national framework of traditional leadership, marks a pivotal step in acknowledging and empowering these indigenous communities.

The Act, initiated on April 1, 2021, not only facilitates the recognition of Khoi-San leaders and communities but also supports the establishment of Khoi-San leadership structures. This formal recognition is crucial as it validates the identity, rights, and governance roles of the Khoi-San peoples within South Africa's constitutional democracy, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their lands and cultures.

Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), has issued a final call to these communities to submit their applications. The process requires filling out a specified form and including all necessary supporting documents, details of which are clearly outlined on the CoGTA portal (https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs-category/khoisan-applications/).

The move by the government through this Act is seen as a significant stride towards inclusivity, redress, and restoring dignity to the Khoi-San communities, aligning with broader governmental commitments to elevate and recognize South Africa's diverse cultural heritage formally.

As the deadline approaches, CoGTA reiterates that no late applications will be entertained under any circumstances. This puts immense pressure on all prospective applicants to ensure their submissions are both timely and complete. The department remains steadfast in its commitment to acknowledging the unique identities of Khoi-San communities, urging all eligible entities to seize this historic opportunity to be commemorated and acknowledged within the national dialogue.

With a strict deadline and significant implications on their cultural and leadership recognition, Khoi-San leaders are encouraged to act promptly to ensure their voices and rights are formally recognized and integrated into the fabric of South African governance.