Family members, community leaders and supporters gathered at Portion 80, Eikenhof Farm, south of Johannesburg, on July 18 to mark the second anniversary of the annual grave cleaning ceremony in honour of the late Chief Adam Gert Mathysen.

The ceremony was led by Chief Ralph Johannes Goliath, who guided the proceedings as attendees gathered to pay their respects and reflect on Chief Mathysen’s enduring contribution to the Khoisan community.

The event celebrated the life and legacy of the respected Khoisan leader, activist and traditional chief, who dedicated more than 45 years to advancing the rights, recognition and heritage of the Khoi and San people. Guests shared memories, reflected on his achievements and remembered the lasting impact he had on their lives and communities.

The ceremony also served as a reminder of the importance of honouring ancestors and preserving their legacy for future generations. Organisers said the annual gathering draws inspiration from the sacrifices and determination of those who fought for land restitution, cultural survival, indigenous languages and justice.

A lasting legacy of leadership

Chief Mathysen, who was born in 1953 and passed away in 2017, founded the Jacksonsdrift Khoisan Development Association in 1998.

Through the organisation, he worked to promote Khoisan recognition, restore cultural identity and improve opportunities for descendants of Khoi and San communities in southern Johannesburg.

His work focused on four pillars: heritage, Khoisan recognition, community development projects and land claims. He encouraged people to embrace their Khoisan identity and played an important role in establishing organisations that promoted the interests of indigenous communities.

Among his major achievements was helping to secure the gazetting of Portion 80 of Farm Eikenhof 323 IQ as a heritage site in 2017, shortly before his passing. The site contains several important heritage resources, including the historic Ebenezer Congregational Church.

Continuing the struggle for land and heritage

Chief Mathysen also played a leading role in the campaign to reopen land claims for Khoi and San communities. In 2014, he lodged a land claim for several portions of land in southern Johannesburg from which many families had been forcibly removed under apartheid. The claim remains pending.

His vision for Portion 80 included food security projects, cultural and heritage facilities, walking trails, hospitality developments and recreational spaces that would benefit local communities while preserving the area’s rich history.

The Adamslof Residents Initiative (NPO) said the annual ceremony ensures that his vision will not be forgotten.

“We gather every year to remind ourselves that our ancestors must never be forgotten,” the organisation said. “Chief Adam Gert Mathysen dedicated his life to restoring dignity, protecting our heritage and fighting for the rights of Khoisan people. It is now our responsibility to carry that legacy forward.”

Guests also added their own stories and reflections during the ceremony, sharing personal memories of Chief Mathysen’s leadership, commitment and encouragement. Many described him as a unifying figure whose determination continues to inspire efforts to protect Khoisan heritage and pursue justice for future generations.