San people want the government to remember their pain from colonial times like other groups receive attention. Calvin Kazibe speaks for the community from Tsumkwe and made statements on Wednesday during Genocide Remembrance Day events. The activist said Bushmen faced terrible treatment from colonial rulers who forced them off their land and destroyed their culture. South African occupation forces gave farmers special permits that allowed them to kill at least one Bushman every year. These historical crimes against San people often get forgotten when officials talk about genocide victims.
Kazibe believes politicians focus more on Nama and Herero suffering because those stories help build national unity. German colonial forces also committed genocide against these two groups during the same historical period. Government leaders find it easier to use certain victim stories for political purposes rather than tell complete truth about all affected communities. The San activist thinks this selective memory hurts his people twice by erasing their past and limiting their current rights. Educational programs should teach students about Bushmen experiences alongside other genocide stories to create fair historical records.
Kazibe believes politicians focus more on Nama and Herero suffering because those stories help build national unity. German colonial forces also committed genocide against these two groups during the same historical period. Government leaders find it easier to use certain victim stories for political purposes rather than tell complete truth about all affected communities. The San activist thinks this selective memory hurts his people twice by erasing their past and limiting their current rights. Educational programs should teach students about Bushmen experiences alongside other genocide stories to create fair historical records.
