| Oom Dawid Kruiper, 14 June 2012 |
| Written by Tomaselli, Keyan | |
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Photo by: Lauren Dyll-Myklebust (2009)
Sadly, Dawid Kruiper passed away on 14 June . He had been under the care of a close associate, an Upington doctor, Rian de Klerk, in a private facility in the town. Condolences are offered by all of us at the Centre for Communication, Media and Society, UKZN. Dawid will be remembered by all of us here in Durban. Our sympathies go to the Kruiper clan. Dawid's work, will, we are sure, live on. CCMS staff, students and research affiliates have been working with Dawid and many of his extended clan since the late 1990s. He was always fully supportive of our research and the benefits it has brought the #Khomani community, especially at Witdraai. Often, our relationship was roller coaster in nature, but always productive, informative and unique. His legacy, as with that of Regopstaan and Vetkat's, is closely recorded, greatly appreciated, and will stand the test of time. Dawid joins his many comrades such as Jakob, Silikat and Elsie, Vetpiet and Optel, Oom Hansie, Una Rooi and the oumas, and so many others, all of whose personalities will live in the wind forever. We will visit the winds with new respect when we return to continue our work in the Kalahari. We know that they will always be there to welcome us - and us them. Keyan Tomaselli (Prof Blinkwater) ------------------------------------------------- OTHER EXPRESSIONS FOLLOW:
I am indeed saddened and shocked by the news of the passing-on of Oom Dawid Kruiper. I wish to send my Condolences to his family.
I recall that my first and almost last meeting with him as the Chief of the #Khomani community was characterised by a very marked spirit of conviviality and warmth. We immediately struck a code and he affectionately referred to me as 'Chief', with his son (heir apparent) affectionately referring to me as the 'wise-one'. I will always cherish those few moments. Our sharing of knowledge and information on African cosmology, spirituality and traditional medicines gave impetus to that state of conviviality. Oom Dawid gave me an interview slot which stretched for about 3hours. And another one the following day was equally long.
Dawid's level of spirituality was very deep and I will always cherish the information he shared with me. It is also my strong belief that the convivial spiritual connection we shared will forever continue to bless all the good and vivid memories I have of his people. His blessings and spirit translate into the bounty of comfort at this moment of sadness. And may it sprout into happiness, hope and source of everlasting guidance for the #Khomani community, in particular, his Son as he takes over the mantle of leadership. I wish to add that while walking among us, the living mortals, Oom David Kruiper shared very special moments with great leaders like Thabo Mbeki at the ceremony marking the return of the land - all these moments marked a countless number of good works he exuded for his people. Oom Dawid fought for the emancipation of his people. Narratives of his life will continue to intrigue researchers of particular note. May His Soul Rest in Peace. And May His Spirit continue to bless our encounters with his family and members of the #Khomani community.
Brilliant Mhlanga
Dear Keyan, I was saddened to hear and then read of the death of Dawid. In your communications with the Kruiper family would you kindly pass my and Madge's sympathies on to them. There is no doubt Dawid had a great dream, which if achieved would have been an important step in to the future for him and his people. Roger Carter |
