UN envoy calls for recognition of minority tribes

Shaheed said this when briefing local media on Wednesday, after 13 day preliminary observations she carried out on tribal communities. She pointed out that it was important to carry out consultation between government and the community, in order to spearhead new developments in their community. Shaheed, a UN special rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, further stated that the Kgotla system had enabled communities to remain as custodians of their cultural heritages. She also said that during her tour she had observed that many people felt left out during changes, which in turn deprived them of their cultural heritage and distinct ways of life, as well as their own historical narratives.

“In many places I visited I heard the frustration, anger and fears expressed by the people in particular the San, the Hambukushu and the Wayeyi,” she stated.  According to Shaheed, these frustrations stem from lack of detailed information about the tribal policy, and knowledge of future plans, as well as memories of past violations.