Premier Rasool has spoken with the leadership of the Griqua and the family of the Paramount Chief to convey his and the Province's condolences at the loss.
Premier Rasool said: "The Paramount Chief was a humble man, deeply committed to his people and the role that history had bestowed upon him. He always served from amongst his people, even as age took its toll on him he continued to attend the Council of Headmen and to lead.
"Some of the greatest contributions that he made were in his later years. In 1995 he headed the delegation of the Griqua to attend the UN Working Group on the Rights of Indigenous People in Switzerland. He led the negotiations with Government from 1997 that resulted in the Koi San National Conference in 1999 and the increasing recognition of the Griqua, Nama and other Koi and San identities.
"The Paramount Chief, the second, le Fleur was also instrumental in the negotiations with the French government that led to the return of the mortal remains of Sara Baartman.
"The second Paramount Chief le Fleur understood the need to reclaim past identities. The unique impact of colonial and apartheid exploitation and division on the First People of our Province and their descendants is immeasureable. Because of this, these descendants have a vital role to play in linking us to our history as early African people and uniting us in a common confidence and trust in the future. We must build the Home for All on foundations of humility, justice and inclusivity."
The Provincial Government and the Griqua leadership will liaise with the family to make appropriate funeral arrangements for the Paramount Chief. These will be made public in due course.
For any further enquiries, please contact Redi Direko on 082 805 9119 [rdireko@pgwc.gov.za].
The Western Cape - A Home for AllINtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal
