The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act was assented to by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2019 and duly published in the Government Gazette on 28 November 2019 as Act No. 3 of 2019. The Act commenced with effect from 01 April 2021 as determined by the President under Proclamation No. 38, published in Government Gazette No. 43981 of 11 December 2020. The Act makes provision for the statutory recognition of Khoi-San leaders and communities, as well as the establishment of Khoi-San leadership structures.

The Act also provides for the establishment of the Commission on Khoi-San Matters. The Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has appointed four persons to serve as members of the Commission namely Prof Nico Adam Botha (Chairperson), Mr. Douglas Langley Bennett (Deputy Chairperson), Dr (Prof retired) Edna Lorraine van Harte and Ms. Nokubonga Nokwanda Mazibuko-Ngidi. The term of office of the Commission commenced on 1 September 2021 and will end on 31 August 2026. This term may be extended by the Minister.

In terms of the Act, the Commission is tasked to receive all applications for the recognition of Khoi-San communities, branches and leaders, investigate the applications received and make recommendations to the Minister on the possible recognition of Khoi-San communities and leaders.

The Commission has, in accordance with section 56(2) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act No. 3 of 2019) developed the form to be completed by prospective applicants  who wish to apply for recognition in terms of the said Act. The application form was published under Notice No. 802 in Government Gazette No. 45865 of 4 February 2022. 

Communities and leaders must note that the relevant parts of the form must be completed in full and evidence must be provided in respect of criteria for

 recognition.

As determined by the Minister under Government Notice No. 1639, published in Government Gazette No. 45690 of 24 December 2021, applications for recognition may be lodged with the Commission from 30 March 2022. Applications will close on 29 May 2025

Electronic versions of the Afrikaans and English

application forms can be requested from

cksm@cogta.gov.za

Tel: 012 334 0815