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MEDIA STATEMENT: CLARIFICATION ON THE REBURIAL PROCESS OF THE KHOI AND SAN REMAINS
DATE: 25 MARCH 2026
MEDIA STATEMENT: CLARIFICATION ON THE REBURIAL PROCESS OF THE KHOI AND SAN REMAINS
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has taken note of a video circulating on Facebook by Mr Paul Swartbooi, in which he alleges that the graves of the recently reburied Khoi and San remains are only partially closed, and further suggests that this reflects disrespect and undermining of the dignity of the deceased.
The Department wishes to categorically clarify that the footage captured by Mr Swartbooi reflects a stage in the process before its full completion. Due to the softness of the sand at the burial site, technical advice was provided that the soil must first be allowed to settle naturally before the graves can be completely closed , which was done on the 25 March 2026. This is a standard and necessary procedure to ensure the long-term stability and integrity of the site.
The final closing of the graves was undertaken by SAHRA. This step was critical to ensure that the soil is properly compacted and secure, particularly in preparation for the memorisation of the site in honour of the 63 Khoi and San individuals.
It is important to emphasize that the entire reburial process is being led by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), the legally mandated authority responsible for the management and protection of heritage resources in South Africa. SAHRA has extensive experience in overseeing the dignified reburial of human remains, particularly those of indigenous communities who were historically subjected to inhumane treatment and exploitation for research purposes.
The Department urges community members and the public to allow the process to reach its full conclusion before making statements that may be misleading or create unnecessary confusion.
Furthermore, it must be noted that Mr Paul Swartbooi, the author of the video, previously appeared on national television claiming that there was no consultation and expressing intentions to halt the reburial process. However, this matter was addressed in a community meeting where the Khoi and San traditional leaders, led by Mr James Mapanka, Chairperson of the Reburial Task Team, confirmed that thorough consultations had indeed taken place with all relevant stakeholders.
The Department remains committed to ensuring that this historic and sensitive process is carried out with the utmost dignity, respect, and in full consultation with affected communities.
For further media enquiries, please contact
Conrad Fortune
Manager : Communications
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – Northern Cape
079 873 0679
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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CLARIFICATION ON MISCOMMUNICATION REGARDING FUNDING FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF A.R. ABASS STADIUM 47
DATE: 18 MARCH 2026
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has noted with concern recent media reports alleging that an amount of R10 million was made immediately available for the refurbishment of the A.R. Abass Stadium in preparation for the upcoming National Human Rights Day celebrations, to be addressed by His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Department wishes to categorically state that this information is incorrect and constitutes a misrepresentation of facts. Such discommunication appears to stem from inaccurate sources and seems intended to mislead the public and discredit both the Department and the Northern Cape Provincial Administration.
The Department remains firmly committed to restoring the facility to optimal condition to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable access for all sporting codes and community users. Targeted interventions are being pursued to address identified challenges and improve the overall condition of the infrastructure, enabling the stadium to realise its role as a vibrant hub for sport development and community participation.
A comprehensive condition assessment was finalised. This assessment provides a detailed determination of the full scope of rehabilitation and upgrades required at the facility.
Based on the outcome of this assessment, the Department formally engaged Provincial Treasury to secure funding allocation in the 2026/2027 financial year to support the following:
- Rehabilitation of critical infrastructure;
- Restoration of ablution facilities;
- Upgrading of playing surfaces; and
- Implementation of a structured and sustainable maintenance plan.
Provincial Treasury has since approved an allocation of R10 million for the refurbishment of the A.R. Abass Stadium. This was formally announced by the MEC for Finance, Venus Blennies-Magage, during the 2026/2027 Budget Speech, where she stated:
“Regular maintenance of our facilities lowers expenses, improves safety, and prolongs their lifespan. As such, an additional amount of R10 million is allocated to the Department to refurbish A.R. Abass Stadium.”
It is important to clarify that this allocation forms part of the 2026/2027 financial year and is not immediately available for urgent upgrades ahead of the National Human Rights Day event.
The next step in the process will be the advertisement of a public tender during the 2026/2027 financial year, in line with all applicable procurement processes and regulations. This is an open, transparent, and regulated process, which by its nature requires time to ensure compliance and fairness.
Therefore, any suggestion that the stadium refurbishment is currently underway or that funds were immediately available for event readiness is misleading and disingenuous. Such allegations and statements are creating a negative perception and bringing our communities into disrepute with the Department.
The Department remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide accurate and timely updates regarding progress on the refurbishment of the A.R. Abass Stadium.
For further media enquiries, please contact
Conrad Fortune
Manager : Communications
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – Northern Cape
079 873 0679
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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