The chairperson of the Free State Griqua Council, Frans Kraalshoek, tells OFM News that the 88-year-old has been in and out of hospital since the beginning of the year. 

According to the chairperson, the long-time custodian of the indigenous site, also known as Bethany, took 48 years to restore land rights and to fight for the indigenous rights of the Khoi and San communities - particularly the Griqua communities in South Africa.

He says that Kraalshoek is a dynamic leader who put his personal life aside to restore the identity, culture, and language of the Griqua community in the Free State and South Africa.

LEES MEER: VS se Griekwas sê hulle wil Bethanie-grond alleen eis

“Under his leadership, there was also a crèche being established at the Dr Blok Secondary School where the indigenous language has been taught to the Griqua communities in Bloemfontein. He's also the one who has been participating with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, when it comes to art and craft articulation.

"Based on his birthright, he's the one that is also painting and he is very good with these paintings that he is doing,” he adds.

The chairperson of the council says that one of the greatest achievements under the current leadership is the implementation of The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act 3 of 2019, which was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who said that from 1 April this year, communities can start to apply for traditional leadership, which they fought for 26 years ago. 

He further adds that Captain Kraalshoek has his traditional council at the Bethany Farm, which consists of areas such as the Xhariep Dam, Fauresmith, and Springfontein amongst others.

OFM News