In an interview with Indigenous Television's Dev Kumar Sunuwar, Shaldon Feris, Coordinator of Indigenous Rights Radio at Cultural Survival, shed light on the complex history and ongoing challenges faced by South Africa's indigenous peoples. Ferrish, a member of the Khoisan community, one of the oldest in South Africa, painted a picture of a people grappling with the enduring legacy of colonization and apartheid.
Feris traced the history of colonization back to the 1600s, when European powers, initially the Dutch, established a foothold in South Africa. This marked the beginning of a long and painful process of dispossession, cultural erasure, and forced assimilation for the indigenous population. The Khoisan people, with a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, were particularly impacted. Their lands were seized, their languages suppressed, and their traditional way of life disrupted. The arrival of Europeans also brought with it the introduction of slaves from Asia and other parts of Africa, adding another layer of complexity to South Africa's demographic landscape.
The apartheid era, which lasted until 1994, further exacerbated the challenges faced by indigenous communities. While intended to segregate different racial groups, it also served to obscure the distinct identities of indigenous peoples. Ferrish explained how the apartheid government lumped various groups, including those of Khoisan, Asian, and slave descent, into a single category labeled "colored." This classification, he argued, effectively erased the unique heritage and cultural practices of each group.
Despite these historical injustices, Ferrish emphasized the resilience of South Africa's indigenous communities. He highlighted ongoing efforts to reclaim their cultural heritage, revitalize their languages, and assert their rights. Community radio stations, like those that receive funding from Cultural Survival, are crucial to these initiatives. They provide a platform for indigenous voices, facilitate language preservation, and raise awareness about critical issues facing these communities.
Feris cited the example of a landmark agreement reached in 2019 between the South African government and the indigenous Khoisan people regarding the sharing of benefits from the commercial use of rooibos tea, a plant traditionally harvested by the Khoisan. This agreement, he said, represents a significant step towards recognizing and compensating indigenous communities for their traditional knowledge and resources.
Feris concluded the interview with a message of hope and solidarity. He praised the indigenous peoples of Nepal for their unity and activism, holding them up as an example for other indigenous communities around the world. He urged them to continue their efforts to preserve their identity and fight for their rights, emphasizing that their struggle is a source of inspiration for indigenous peoples globally.