PRETORIA - The Khoisan group camping outside of the Union Buildings stand ready to defy a ruling for their evacuations from the lawns.
They have been camping on the lawns of the government's headquarters for nearly seven years. The group want to be recognised as the first people of South Africa.
The High Court granted the government an order for their eviction in December last year. They have been given until 11 January to leave.
However, on the eve of the deadline, King Khoisan SA was injured in a car crash in which his wife died. As a result, the community are mourning their queen and praying for their king's recovery.
According to the National House of Traditional Khoisan Leaders chairperson, it is more than just one tribe. The Khoisan community have complained for many years about the issue of landlessness and the decaying language that has not been preserved.
Other activists have been eager to fight for their cause.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has expressed condolences to the Khoisan leader and his community.
The department has also given them a grace period for now, however, they will still uphold the court order in the coming weeks.