GOOD Statement by Marius van Stade,
GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor
24 October 2025
The GOOD Party in Stellenbosch, led by Councillor Marius van Stade, tabled a historic Motion for Recognition and Restoration for the Khoi and San People at the Stellenbosch Municipal Council meeting held yesterday.
The motion was submitted in solidarity with the Khoi and San leadership of Stellenbosch and seeks to affirm the dignity, heritage, and rightful place of the First Peoples of this land, the Khoi and San communities of Stellenbosch.
The motion is a call to action, grounded in the principles of justice, equality, and cultural preservation. It recognises the urgent need to confront and redress historical injustices while restoring the social, cultural, and political presence of the Khoi and San people within the municipal landscape of Stellenbosch.
It calls on Stellenbosch Municipality to preserve, protect, and affirm the cultural heritage and identity of the Khoi and San People through six key areas:
• Access to land
• Respect for culture
• Recognition of heritage
• Identification of cultural heritage sites
• Protection of identity and dignity
In presenting the motion, GOOD emphasized that this motion is not only a request, but also a declaration of presence, resilience, and hope. It is a call for Stellenbosch Municipality to lead by example in restoring dignity to its Khoi and San peoples, and in building a future rooted in inclusivity, respect, and restorative justice.
Despite the moral and historical weight of this proposal, the DA-led Council, which holds the majority in the Stellenbosch Municipal Council, voted down the motion.
The GOOD Party remains committed to justice, heritage preservation, and social restoration. We will continue to advocate for the recognition and dignity of the Khoi and San people. The Khoi and San people deserve their rightful place in our history and our future.
Media enquiries: media@forgood.org.za