Khoisan communities in the Northern Cape are unhappy with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) over a delayed report into alleged violations.
They say they have not heard from the commission since hearings into abuses of Khoisan communities in early 2016.
It is almost two years since the hearings but silence from the Human Rights Commission. Khoisan representatives made representations on the recognition of their communities and leaders, language, access to land, and service delivery.
Hearings were held in the Northern and Western Cape and Gauteng.
“We want the Human Rights Commission to summon local government and national government because our right, recognition for land, these are rights that are being violated in the constitution as well as the freedom charter,” says Griqua representative, Stanley Peterson
“I hope the report by the HRC looks at our issues and that the report will be not be swept under the carpet”, adds Piet Barendse of Khomani San.
The HRC says it had to work through voluminous submissions. The report is in the final stages of completion.
“The idea with the report is to table it with the various parties as well as in Parliament so that recommendations made by the commission will be followed-up and implemented,” said the commission’s Advocate Chantelle Williams.
The Commission says it aims to release the report by March. Khoisan communities are hopeful that it will strengthen their hand.
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