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The reported campaign to inform people where Rharhabe is should not be construed as a land claim. This could be very confusing and useless. For how can the House of Rharhabe claim land from AmaRharhabe who occupy it? Who would they claim it for? Both the Nelson Mandela Metro and that part of the Eastern Cape from the Kei River westward are part of Rharhabeland. We are not occupying it. We are part of it. There is no contestation of jurisdiction between traditional rule and government on the matter.

Lastly, it would be good for His Majesty, King Sandile to have a meeting with Eastern Cape Khoi Council also to clarify his purpose. This is an area, which must be handled with great sensitivity and responsibility. History also shows that the Khoi and the San also have a legitimate claim to some parts of South Africa including the Western and Eastern Cape.

Enquiries: Manelisi Wolela at 040-6392070 / 082-4147768

Issued by Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape

19 July 2001