Saks Radio, an online radio station broadcasting from Sharpeville, has pledged its support for King Khoisan SA’s nationwide campaign to mobilise support for recognising the Khoisan as South Africa’s first nation. 

The campaign, which will likely culminate in mass action later this year or early next year, seeks to advocate for Khoisan rights, land ownership and the abolition of the term “coloured”.

King Khoisan SA’s recently revealed his determination to push forward with his demands and comes after a five-year protest at the Union Buildings lawn was cut short due to an eviction in February, following a Gauteng High Court order. 

Despite this setback, he remains resolute in his pursuit, stressing the importance of recognition and rights for the Khoisan people.

Phankha Sakoane, station manager at Saks Radio and founder of Saks TV, has called on the South African government to engage in meaningful dialogue with Khoisan leadership. 

“We, at Saks Community Media Holdings, stand in unwavering solidarity with King Khoisan SA and the Khoisan people in their just and historic struggle for recognition as South Africa’s first nation,” he said.

He said that disregarding the Khoisan’s claims to identity, land and dignity would be to deny the core narrative of the South African story.

“We are inspired by King Khoisan SA’s nationwide mobilisation and his efforts to unite indigenous groups across borders—from Namibia to Botswana and beyond. This is not a separatist movement but a call for justice, unity, and freedom of identity,” he said.

Sakoane also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in heritage sites, stating that “a heritage site must celebrate all the people of South Africa—not just those whose histories are already documented and accepted by dominant systems”.

He said that while his organisation acknowledges the Union Buildings’ heritage status, they firmly believe that heritage without inclusivity is essentially hollow.

“A heritage site must celebrate all the people of South Africa—not just those whose histories are already documented and accepted by dominant systems. King Khoisan’s bold vision of an inclusive state under indigenous leadership offers a compelling model for African unity, cultural pride, and self-determination,” he said.

He pledged to use Saks Radio’s platform to educate, reflect and unite people around the important cause of recognising the Khoisan as South Africa’s first nation. 

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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