!Khūboab Oedasoua Lawrence with his happy mom Lesle Jansen
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
A young man’s 18-year struggle to have his Khoisan name formally recognised is set to culminate in a symbolic and historic moment this week, when he receives his South African identity document reflecting his full cultural name including the click consonants central to his heritage.
The breakthrough follows reporting by Weekend Argus in January, which highlighted the family’s long-standing challenge in having his indigenous name accurately captured on official records.
After the article was published, the office of Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, contacted the family to inform them that the matter would be resolved. The Minister will personally hand over the young man’s ID on Thursday, a moment his family describes as both deeply emotional and symbolic.
His mother, Lesle Jansen, said the journey has been about far more than paperwork.
“With us coming into our cultural identity, it affirmed what our cultural identity looks and sounds like. The best legacy we could leave him is his name, so that he can always remember who he is and where he is from. We didn’t search out the most complicated name on purpose, we did it by meaning, and I didn’t think that the clicks and special characters would bring us so much struggle.”
She added: “For 18 years it was a struggle since we registered his birth, so to get to this moment where his Identity Document is going to be handed over to him with his original cultural name, his true identity, with all of the clicks included it is a very, very happy moment. It’s been a long journey.
“We see this as a victory for the Khoi Khoi people, that their languages are recognised in our country. Some sort of justice, not only for my son but the indigenous people. We want to thank the Minister of Home Affairs as well.”
The development has also been welcomed by Chief !Garu Zenzile Khoisan, who emphasised the broader significance for indigenous communities: “I am very happy and it is good to hear that the government, at least the Minister and the Ministry, has listened in this particular case.
"They’ve made the necessary changes to the system to include the particular elements required to ensure that the dignity of the name of those who wish to be called by their indigenous name is respected and that it’s integrated into the system. In this matter, we of course salute the Minister for taking leadership and that he will be there to hand over the identity documents to this exceptional young man.”
The Minister's office confirmed the handover.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za