Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa says the Khoi-San community has been divided for many years.
He is convening a three-day national convention of the Khoi-San leaders in Boksburg, Johannesburg.
Hlabisa says the convention aims to resolve some of the sticky issues including the recognition of the Khoi-San.
“They do not recognise each other in terms of who is their leader. They have five stems and each stem has some divided into many groups. That is why there were disagreements in the beginning. Because some say you do not represent us.
But I think we have crossed that bridge. Let us use this opportunity to find one voice that will eventually collect the history of the Khoi-San and also ensure who should be the voice of the Khoi-San community.”
Khoi-San Convention | If you remain divided your voices will not be heard: Hlabisa
Hlabisa has emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue.
“This is a consultation process. But what we want to emerge with on Sunday is to have a one-voice structure, for the Khoi-San. It can either be through consensus or whatever way which they can find a common ground. We ran away from making an elective conference. Because people can bring people in numbers who will not concentrate on substance besides in electing the structure.”
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