At 06:00 on Monday, the group underwent a traditional cleansing ceremony before taking to the St Blaize trail. Along the way, they lit a fire in the traditional way of rubbing two sticks together.
The first day, according to Neil Dikwex, a writer and co-ordinator in the areas of arts and sports in the Khoi Community, was difficult as participants had to get used to walking on the sandy beaches and rocky trails. Also, one of the participants took ill and had to leave the group.
Their first night was spent under a tree at the Engen garage in Albertinia, where on Tuesday morning, they were served coffee and pies by the owner.
On Tuesday, the group progressed to Riversdal, where they were overwhelmed with hospitality. Two guest houses offered them accommodation and meals. From there, they set off to Slangrivier for their next stop on Wednesday evening.
The walk serves to highlight the plight of the indigenous people of South Africa, whose traditional heritage are not seen to be recognised as equally important to that of other cultures in the country. They also argue that their indigenous truths, knowledge, wisdoms and spiritual riches are either being denied or being exploited.
Along the way, the group hopes to create awareness on their history and heritage, as well as the 46 minimum rights they as indigenous communities and individuals are supposed to enjoy, but the SA government apparently fails to recognise. These 46 minimal rights are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UN-Drips), which was signed by 141 countries, including South Africa, in the General Assembly on September 2007.
The 46 minimum rights contained in the UN-Drips document ensure the restoration of our indigenous cultures, traditions, languages and customs, as well as the complete upliftment of all indigenous peoples.
*SMS support to 078 105 3432. Follow their progress on Neil Dikwex's Facebook page.
A last group photo before the long walk started in Mossel Bay on Monday, 18 February. Photo: Adv De Waal Lubbe
ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
