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On Monday, 12 November 2001, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST), Dr Ben Ngubane, met with a delegation of the National Khoisan Consultative Conference (NKCC) under the leadership of Mr Cecil Le Fleur. Professor HC Jatti Bredenkamp, patron of NKCC was part of the delegation. A number of issues were discussed inter alia:

* The position of the Khoisan people on the remains of Sarah Bartmann;
* The portrayal of Khoisan people in South African museums.
* Specifically the Diorama in the South African Museum;
* Economic empowerment of the Khoisan people; and
* The importance of cultural values within South Africa

With reference to cultural values, the two parties mutually agreed to issue the following joint statement on the horrific incident involving the brutal attack on baby Tshepang of Upington:

The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and the National Khoisan Consultative Conference echoes other parties in condemning this heinous crime in the strongest possible terms. South Africa is a progressive country with one of the most exemplary constitutions in the world. Our constitution upholds universally accepted values such as respect for life and the individual, human rights and children's rights. We subscribe, and are committed to the United Nations Charters in this regard. We are therefore truly part of the universal family of nations.

Binding us as a nation are common values of love, respect, honesty, dignity and integrity. Our new democracy is however faced with many challenges. Some of these challenges are not from external threats, but has its roots in the very fabric of our own society.

The incident in the Northern Cape is an indication of a tragic breakdown in the moral fibre and culture of society. DACST and the NKCC will be strengthening their joint projects to ensure that cultural and moral values are brought to the fore. The two parties are devising cultural programmes and activities that will help to restore pride and dignity within the Khoisan Communities.

We therefore believe and appeal to our national, provincial, community and family leaders to act exemplary in all we do. We urge every person in his or her interaction with fellow citizens to demonstrate a commitment to the universally accepted values of:

* Respect for oneself and for fellow citizens;
* To show understanding of the diverse cultures we share;
* To act with dignity and love especially to our children and women; and
* To have the highest regard for life.

In this way, we will ensure that trust and confidence will be restored and our communities would be safe havens for all our people.

Enquiries:
Andile Xaba at 012 337 8497 or 082 370 5336
Mack Lewele at 012 337 8173 or 082 450 5076.

Issued by: Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and the National Khoisan Consultative Conference (NKCC), 15 November 2001