Khoi and San Communities Protest Exclusion from National Dialogue at UNISA

National Convention | Khoi and San Communities Protest Outside UNISA Venue

Pretoria, South Africa – Tensions flared outside the University of South Africa (UNISA) main campus today as members of the Khoi and San communities protested against their exclusion from the first National Convention, which marks the kickoff of the year-long National Dialogue.

While delegates inside the venue prepared to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa’s keynote address, protesters gathered outside, expressing frustration at being sidelined from discussions that aim to address South Africa’s pressing social and economic challenges.

Speaking to SABC News, Peter from the Crisis Housing Committee said the dialogue setup excluded ordinary South Africans and grassroots communities. “We found out about this National Dialogue on the media. The setup seems predetermined, and the officials appear to have already decided on the outcomes,” he said. Peter highlighted issues affecting marginalized communities, including unemployment, housing shortages, and land ownership, calling for greater participation from those on the ground.

Another protester from the Khoi and San community echoed these concerns, emphasizing that invitations were extended to celebrities and academics but not to the indigenous custodians of the land. “The first language spoken on this soil is still not officially recognized. Our communities have been left on the periphery, yet our language is represented in the country’s coat of arms,” he said.

Despite being excluded from the initial proceedings, protesters expressed hope that sectoral meetings planned for all 4,468 wards across South Africa would allow them to voice their grievances and participate meaningfully in shaping the National Dialogue.

The National Convention is set to continue tomorrow, with organizers promising follow-up conventions to assess progress and gather input from broader civil society. Meanwhile, the protests outside UNISA underscore the continuing debate over inclusivity, representation, and recognition of South Africa’s indigenous communities in national decision-making processes.