Khoi and San communities urgently deserve justice and recognition

THE legal principle of justice delayed is justice denied is more relevant to the Khoi and San traditional leaders and their communities than ever, as they are still suffering injustice.

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For three decades, the ANC government has failed to officially recognise these indigenous groups, while Nguni communities such as the Xhosa and Zulu enjoy benefits under existing legislation.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling on October 14, 2025, suspended the declaration of invalidity of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act (TKLA) for two years until 29 May 2027 — signifying regress rather than redress.

During this time, national, provincial and local governments are free to adopt legislation without guaranteeing the rights of Khoi and San communities.