Khoisan Groups Claim Exclusion from South Africa’s National Dialogue

Pretoria, Gauteng – Members of the Boesman Khwe, representing South Africa’s Khoisan community, have voiced concerns over being sidelined from the National Dialogue, despite repeated attempts to engage with authorities. The community argues that its leaders have been overlooked in critical national matters for over three decades.

Khoisan Representatives Speak Out

Ahead of the first session of the National Convention at UNISA, Michelle Sores, High Commissioner for the Khoisan group, criticized the dialogue for perpetuating historical exclusion.

“The first indigenous people of South Africa are being left out of all negotiations regarding our humanitarian rights,” Sores said.

She noted that despite efforts over the past two years to engage with government, the National Khoisan Council, originally appointed by Nelson Mandela, does not adequately represent their community.

“We have our own councils, our own constituencies, and our own rights under our customs. Government decisions often disregard our input,” Sores added.

READ: Khoi and San Communities Protest Exclusion from National Dialogue at UNISA |

Key Demands of the Khoisan Community

The Khoisan delegation highlighted three main demands they hope the government will address:

1. Recognition of their identity as South Africa’s first indigenous people.
2. Protection of their rights within their communities.
3. Acknowledgment of their historical and cultural place in the country, free from apartheid-era classifications such as “Coloured.”

READ: DA’s Steenhuisen Slams National Dialogue as “Costly Talk Shop” |

National Convention Overview

The National Convention at UNISA marks the beginning of a 12-month national dialogue, covering 20 wards and approximately 15,000 community conversations. The initiative aims to establish a roadmap for South Africa’s future, with a steering committee and follow-up mechanisms to ensure inclusivity.

The Khoisan representatives expressed cautious optimism that their voices would finally be heard:

“We are here to represent our people, and we hope our voice will be heard and taken seriously,” said Sores.

The dialogue will be closely monitored by both civil society and indigenous communities to ensure historically marginalized groups receive equitable participation in shaping national policy.