Khoisan traditional leader laid to rest

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Pretoria - Khoisan traditional leader Dawid Kruiper was laid to rest following an official provincial state funeral at Witdraai in the Kalahari on Saturday.

He passed away two weeks ago. Kruiper was buried among the dunes of the Kalahari next to his late wife.

More than 2 000 mourners from across the country - including acting Northern Cape Premier Grizelda Cjiekella, MECs, traditional leaders and mayors - and neighbouring countries attended the funeral to pay their last respects to Kruiper.

"Oom Dawid was the embodiment of loyalty, commitment and righteousness, respect and selfless sacrifice to the service of the Khomani San people. He was a nature conservationist in his own right and imbued in his people care for natural resources. In his own intimate way, Oom Dawid imparted invaluable knowledge to latter day textbook conservationists," Cjiekella said when she paid tribute to Kruiper.

According to the Office of the Premier, the reason for conferring an official funeral on Kruiper was to befit the status, standing and stature of this pioneer and hero of the Khomani San people, who contributed immensely to the upliftment of his people.

"This was government's way of recognising the role that Oom Dawid played as a nation-builder, a cultural pioneer and leader and traditional healer," it added.

On Saturday, provincial and national flags flew half-mast as a mark of respect and honour to Kruiper.

Cjiekella, meanwhile, also made a commitment, on behalf of the provincial government, that recognition would be given to the Khoisan people and the necessary services would be given to them.

Government was fully aware of the plight of the Khomani San and the contribution that they have made to the country. Partnerships would be formed with them to give recognition to their culture, especially their language.

A Bill is currently being formulated that will give recognition to the culture, language and leadership of the Khomani San people.

In order to address the immediate challenges faced by the Khomani San people, a team from the Siyanda District Municipality will be returning to Andriesvale within the next two weeks to have a meeting with all stakeholders concerning their challenges.