It was a time of celebration during the launch of the first-ever Khoisan Council of JB Marks on July 4 at the Elgro Hotel.

This council serves to reaffirm the importance of the Khoisan people and give a foundation for their voices to be heard. The Khoisan are a historically rich nation whose legacy is held in the soil of Potchefstroom as aboriginals.

Various leaders have been appointed to the council as part of their distinct San, Griqua, Nama, Korana, and Cape-Khoi heritage. They are Chairperson Dr Odette Vries, Deputy Chairperson Chief Ria Lydia du Plessis, Treasurer Headman Jubeida du Plessis, spokesperson Chief Michael Thorne, and Secretary Headwoman Harristene Schoeman.

The feeling around the group is that this has been a long time coming. According to Thorne, the Khoisan are the aboriginals of this country.

“We have come a long way in our fight to be acknowledged for who we truly are. It’s a celebration of our identity, our heritage, our resilience, and our contribution to the rich history and culture of South Africa,” added Thorne.

According to Ria du Plessis the council creates a place of understanding for shared heritage.

“Culture, languages, traditions and knowledge can be respected and preserved and be carried over to future generations.”

Japie Fransman, a representative of JB Marks Local Municipality and a proud Nama, stated that it is important that the Khoisan are represented in Council. He explained that some people do not know which tribe they belong to until they do some research.

“It does not matter which tribe we belong to because we all form part of the Khoisan, making the launch a day to be celebrated.”

The event was further celebrated with a toast and a beautiful poem from Robyn Williams.