From ancient publications to modern-day literature, there has been a deeper discussion about the life of the San that includes their livelihood and culture. Despite these texts, one thing that strikes me is that even a modern-day and civilised individual who is exposed to 21st century technology is not privy to who a San person is in relation to his modern-day survival. Here I shall focus on a short but direct view that I hold: that modern San are not people of the past, but human beings that face modern-day problems every day of their lives.
Perhaps, because of ignorance, people entertain the conception that the clicking language is a backward and unintelligent form of communication. This view shows a racist perspective. We as San live every day of our lives fighting for change in society and to change the mindsets of individuals that we are not ‘sub-humans’, but rather people who want to enjoy the same rights as everyone else.
Today we call for reforms in policy to adopt an equitable approach, a shift in the paradigm of development, to elevate the living standards of the San. One thing that sticks out is the process of economic justice. From the San living in Botswana to the San living in South Africa, to the San living in Zimbabwe and Angola, there is a need for the moral principles to establish programmes that seek to implement tangible efforts to change the living conditions of the San for the better. In conclusion, we want programmes that implement an agenda of reform in line with the expectations of the 21st century and in the foundation of the San peoples’ discourse.
I’m a native speaker of Naro from Botswana’s Ghanzi District. I’m a defender of of Indigenous rights and a strong supporter of inclusive social policy. As a young person from a very marginalized group, I have grown to understand the importance of culture in todays society. Whereas I know that change is inevitable, without the knowledge of where you come from and ideals that you represent, can bring harm to the very fight of the right to self-determination. I support all those who advocate towards them.
