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To SA and Western Cape

The Provincial Government of the Western Cape is proud to be a part of this festival and this ceremony. Today we celebrate not only the 100-year commemoration of the release of Andrew Le Fleur from captivity; we also recognise and salute the contribution of the Griqua nation to the Western Cape and to South Africa.

In many ways the struggles of the Griqua people have been the struggles of our country. First against colonial oppression and tyranny, then against Apartheid and racial discrimination, and more recently battling the challenges, which have grown as democratic freedoms have taken root in our communities.

Paramount Chief Andrew Abraham Stockenström Le Fleur I was both a man of God and a man for his people. His strong faith and spirituality inspired his struggles against the British colonial government in the Cape. His unshakeable belief in the need to reunite the Griqua people - and to protect and support their unique identity - was the cornerstone of his life. Following his release in 1903, he founded the Griqua National Conference, the Griqua Independent Church, the Griqua choirs, the Griqua Land Bank, and the Griqua and Coloured People's Opinion newspaper. He was a remarkable leader whose vision has guided and united the Griqua people for 100 years.

During the years of Apartheid, Griquas were simply classified as coloured. This was a period of great injustice in which Griquas were discriminated against both by white South Africans and within the coloured community. It was also a time in which the spirit of the Griqua nation - symbolised by the Kanniedood flower - brought Griqua communities closer together to support and help one another.

Even today, as we enter the tenth year of South African democracy, many of these challenges remain. Like so many other communities in our province, our Griqua communities continue to deal with issues like violent crime, drugs, and gang fighting. It is also clear that one of the biggest challenges for our Provincial Government is to continue empowering and uplifting communities especially in rural areas like Kranshoek - ensuring the right conditions for jobs to be created for our young people, so that they can find work in their own communities and continue to embrace the traditions and cultures which make up the rich tapestry of the Western Cape.

In many respects, Griqua culture offers a strong model for communities across South Africa * with its emphasis on family, community, faith, and respect. It captures the essence of pride in identity, and determination to succeed. It underlines the importance of tradition and values, and combines these with self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial spirit.

Having been granted "First Nation" status in South Africa by former President Mandela in 1998, the Griqua nation has also brought much honour to the Western Cape and South Africa. With leaders like Mr. Cecil Le Fleur - the Vice-Chairman of the UN Committee on Indigenous People and President of the UN Committee for Indigenous People South of the Sahara, our country is well represented in defending and promoting the traditions and cultures of indigenous peoples around the world.

In South Africa much remains to be done in this regard. In addition to developing areas of great historical and spiritual significance, like Ratelgat; preserving and promoting indigenous languages like Nama, Outeniqua, and Griqua; and establishing better representation of indigenous peoples in decision-making forums, there is also a pressing need for other South African and Western Cape communities to learn more about our common history - and to embrace our roots. The recent return of the remains of Sarah Baartman gave new impetus and energy to this process.

On behalf of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, I salute the Griqua nation and thank its people for the contribution they have made and continue to make to our province and our country.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp on 083-778-9923

Issued by Western Cape Provincial Government

3 April 2003