Cape Town - A political agreement between the Indigenous and Aboriginal Khoi and San leaders and National Freedom Party Member of Parliament, Ahmed Munzoor Shaik Emam to represent and advance the interests of Khoisan people in Parliament was signed on Thursday.
The delegation also appointed Emam as the official presidential candidate and national spokesperson of the First Indigenous Nation of Southern Africa (Finsa).
The First Indigenous Nation of Southern Africa(Finsa) NEC Gregg Fick said Emam was the only politician, member of parliament and leader that boldly and consistently fought for land rights, self determination and governance of the Khoi and San people of Southern Africa.
“We are at a very important place in time and dispensation, where we, as the people, have grown and matured. For years we have been known as a pure minority race but we are today at a place where we can say as a nation we have come together and are fighting for our rights.
“This is a historic moment in our lives and dispensation, a time in space and history that will be recorded that the Khoi and the San and the so called coloured people, who had no voice, have now a voice in Emam, who has been working with Finsa, not only for the benefit of a tribe but for the benefit of the nation,” he said.
Association of Aboriginal general secretary Micheal Van Rooy said the time for the Khoi and San people to reclaim their land and resources was overdue.
He said amongst their demands they wanted the term “Coloured” to be removed from the population register and be replaced by their true identity as Khoi Khoi and San.
Emam said for years the Khoi and San people were marginalised and neglected.
“If there is anyone that is entitled to anything in South Africa then it must start with them as they are the first indigenous people of this country.
“In 27 years into democracy, political parties are paying little or no attention to this matter and we believe that the time has come to stand together to ensure that they get what is rightfully theirs. I have been consistent in fighting the cause of the Khoi and San people.
“I am going to intensify raising their concerns in getting the government to take them more seriously, sit down with them discussing the issue of returning the land that rightfully belongs to them, their empowerment, recognition of their language and accepting them as the first indigenous people of the country,” said Imam.
mthuthuzeli.ntseku@inl.co.za