The Commission on Khoi-San Matters revealed that it will make an announcement on the outcome of the Khoi and San communities’ application for recognition before the end of its term next year.

The term of office of the Commission began on September 1, 2021, and will end on August 31, 2026.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as chairperson of the Presidential Task Team on Matters raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, on Tuesday met with Representatives of the Griqua Royal House at OR Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria.

Mashatile briefed the Representatives of the Griqua Royal House on progress on the process of the recognition of the Khoi and San communities by the Commission on Khoi-San Matters.

Commissioner Cordney Mangale assured the meeting that all processes for recognition were being followed accordingly.

In June, the Office of the Deputy President received a letter from The Griqua Royal House requesting a meeting with Mashatile to discuss the Traditional Leadership recognition of the Khoi and San communities, among other things.

The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act was assented to by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2019 and duly published in the Government Gazette on November 28, 2019 as Act No. 3 of 2019.

The Act commenced with effect from April 2021 as determined by the President under Proclamation No. 38, published in Government Gazette No. 43981 of 11 December 2020.

The Act makes provision for the statutory recognition of Khoi-San leaders and communities, as well as the establishment of Khoi-San leadership structures.

The Act also provides for the establishment of the Commission on Khoi-San Matters.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, Commissioners and senior government officials.