Knoflokskraal community fighting to retain historical land
The Khoisan settlement in Grabouw is home to families building a self-sustaining community.
Families living on government-owned land near Grabouw face an uncertain future. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
Dan Corder (in for John Maytham on CapeTalk) speaks with Queen Elouise Rossouw, spokesperson for the Khoi and San residents of Knoflokskraal.
Listen below:
The Knoflokskraal Khoisan settlement in Grabouw is home to families building a self-sustaining community.
They have vegetable gardens, livestock, small businesses, and largely live off the land.
The 1,800 hectares of land is owned by the state and further expansion, or the delivery of building materials, is prohibited - but the community continues to grow.
However, the community is facing serious challenges as the state wants to repurpose this land.
“We have reclaimed the land to regain our historical, first nation status.”
- Queen Elouise Rossouw, Spokesperson for the Khoi and San residents of Knoflokskraal
RELATED: Malema: 'Khoi & San are at the centre of our struggle to reclaim the land'
Rossouw says they have been battling with the state since 2022 to try and find an amicable resolution to this dispute.
“When we reclaimed the land it was vacant. We did not go and interfere on any municipal land.”
- Queen Elouise Rossouw, Spokesperson for the Khoi and San residents of Knoflokskraal
The community is also calling for basic service delivery including water, sanitation, electricity, and waste removal.
Scroll up to the audio player for more.