Griqua leaders meet to unite and uplift
Griqua Chief Jakes Fenner was pleased with the commitment of all who attended and extends an invitation to all Griqua to join hands with structures across East Griqualand.
Many years ago, the word Griqua was a name given to mixed race culture in the Cape colony of South Africa.
The Griquas are a subgroup of heterogeneous former Khoe-speaking nations whom under apartheid, were given a special racial classification under the broader category of coloured.
Griqua nation leaders and representatives from throughout KwaZulu-Natal meet regularly to work towards reclaiming the land their ancestors were forced off, reuniting families torn apart by forced removals and most importantly, the upliftment and unity of all East Griqualand.
Local Griqua representative, Rosemary Rodriguez, headman of the Umdoni precinct for the East Griqua Nation, recently attended a Griqua meeting at the Umzimkulu Anglican Church, which is far inland from the South Coast.
Mrs Rodriguez, together with other headmen and business community from across East Griqualand, met with the leadership of the Rietvlei, Clydesdale and Umzimkulu East Griquas where the committee for these areas, known as RCU, gave feedback on various meetings that were conducted from February to date.
These meetings include engagements with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF); BAE solar farm, rural development, renewable energy, land invasions and alleged illegal usage of materials from privately owned farms in Rietvlei.
The Umdoni rep went on to give a brief overview of the responsibilities and function of DEFF.
The relationship between department land restitution and DEFF was also explained as well as how rental funds were paid over and dispersed to Community Property Agreement.
There are currently three in operation on East Griqua RCU precinct and a fourth that was registered back in 2001.
The leadership stressed their aim to promote the first nation languages of the Khoesan and the cultural practices along with the rebuilding of the Griqua Nation within the Greater Khoesan community.
Cultural practices include worship, marital, death and burial rites, hunting, fishing and tracking.
“The consensus of the Griqua is to unite, collaborate and uplift our people, our communities and our country,” explained Mrs Rodriguez.
“The statutory recognition by government and our communities is of vital importance and the team committed their skills and energy to assist and workshop Griqua communities on their duties and responsibilities.”
A number of Griqua youth attended the meeting and were encouraged to pursue their studies and enquire bursary opportunities at municipalities closest to their residence, such as Umdoni Municipality for those in the Umdoni area.
Griqua Chief Jakes Fenner was pleased with the commitment of all who attended and extends an invitation to all Griqua to join hands with structures across East Griqualand.
“Our people are diverse, creative ,talented beyond measure, diligent and passionate,” he said.
“We need all Griqua to put their shoulders to the plough and lift our nation to greater heights. No contribution is too small, and if you cannot contribute financially, come and help cut grass, paint and serve meals.”
“If you are abroad find out how you can aid our nation because all Griqua are needed now.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
