Khoi and San leaders gather to advocate for inclusivity in the Cape Winelands Airport development, emphasising the importance of acknowledging their historical ties to the land and the need for job creation for their communities.
Image: Genevieve Serra/Independent Newspapers
The Cape Winelands Airport, set to boost the economy by R8 billion, has caught the attention of Khoi and San leaders in the province, who called for inclusivity and job creation, noting the land was once known as the Autshumato region where setters such as Jan van Riebeeck met with with inhabitants.
News of the airport’s final public participation leg, which includes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), has been met with interest by residents, who also welcomed it.
In Fisantekraal, Durbanville, droves of residents and business persons including members from the Khoi and San community were present on Tuesday and had opportunities to speak with experts available about their concerns relating to transport and noise pollution, among others.
Last month, the Cape Argus revealed that the new airport has been labelled the "economic revitalisation of the region", which will secure 58 561 job opportunities between 2028 and 2050.
It is expected that by 2028, the Northern District would have given birth its first domestic and international travel airspace, which is expected to carry 1.7 million passengers.
At least 40 specialist studies have been completed with a range of flora and fauna, noise, socio-economic, avifaunal and airspace findings.
This is an essential regulatory process.
By 2028, the Northern District would have given birth its first domestic and international travel airspace, which is expected to carry 1.7 million passengers.
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers
To date there have been four rounds of public participation with the current period running for 45 days from March 19 to May 13.
Deidre Davids, spokesperson for Cape Winelands Airport, said the open days focused on the communication between themselves and those affected by the development.
“We are deeply motivated by the overwhelmingly positive responses that we have received to our plans. The team is energised and ready to make a meaningful contribution to aviation in our city," she said.
Khoi High Commissioner, Enolium Joseph, who spoke on behalf of the Khoi and San leaders present, said they called for inclusivity and acknowledgement of the First inhabitants of the region.
“Today, I have prominent leaders of the Khoi and San community with me, from as far as Calvinia,” he said.
“The Cochoqua Khoi Khoi Kingdom, this was a kraal before.
“We feel that developments cannot move forward without our input as we feel we are the original land owners.
“We are aware that the development of an airport like this will bring a lot of job opportunities for our people.
“This portion in Fisantekraal, is a sacred area for the Khoi Khoi area, in this region, around 1660, the Khoi King, Odusola, lived in Saldanha and he cared for his people and the kraale.
“This was one of the kraale that he always visited and this was where he said the hollanders (Dutch settlers) had to meet him as he felt it was safer to meet there.
“We want this history to be remembered.”
Senior chief, Dylan Rhodes added; “We are not here to fight, we just want our voices to be heard, and that the existence of the Khoi can be recognised and to have our seat at the table and to be represented.”
The new Cape Winelands Airport is set to create 58 561 job opportunities.
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers
Resident, Penny Laue, said they welcomed the development.
“I am very excited as it will bring job creation and the export of fruits and vegetables will help the farmers, which is what we need.”
Paul Slabbert, Environmental Assessment Practitioner, said the process involved various phases, which was now coming to completion.
Cape Argus