Jim Mohlala|Published
A dispute over Khoisan ancestry and a family's right to live in a traditional hut on the grounds of the Castle of Good Hope has escalated, with Khoisan leader Tania Kleinhans-Cedras challenging the family's cultural claims ahead of an expected court appearance.
The tensions flared on Thursday, 15 October 2026, when Kleinhans-Cedras confronted Wanga Shixuqiquqa Kape, who identifies as a descendant of the oNoqhakancu (Khoisan) and lives in a matjiehuis on the Castle grounds.
The family wants to live there permanently. The Castle is expected to take the matter to court on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Khoisan leaders challenge family's ancestry claims
Kleinhans-Cedras told IOL Media that she and other leaders had previously tried to engage with the family.
“As recognised First Nation !Khwe Chiefs, we have on previous occasions attempted to engage with the family in particular, who we now know as Wada Kape, as she declined to identify herself,” she said.
“Disturbingly, her reactionary demeanour remains hostile and dismissive.”
Kleinhans-Cedras added: “As long-standing Cultural Leaders, Paramount Chief Greg Autsu Links, Paramount Chief Tania Kleinhans-Cedras and Chief Brennan Marais, representatives of historical //Hui !Gaeb Tribes viz !Ora Nation, Cochoqua Oedasoa tsi Gonnema Tribe and the Hessequa Tribe, do not present ourselves autonomously.”
She said the leaders would support a legal challenge to the family's claims.
“We are prepared to support any legal application that will establish the fraudulent cultural misrepresentation by Wada Kape (as she names herself) has no integrity, as her actions are a mockery of our ancient cultural identity and existence.”
Kleinhans-Cedras also questioned Kape's lineage.
“Kape claims she is from an isiXhosa name for the Xam/(San) Nation. The Royal Xam/(San) leaders hold no knowledge of her nor her self-imposed claims.”
“Therefore, her ancestral lineage must be proven, which will expose her intentional racketeering and cultural appropriation of the Xam/(San) Nation.”
She also criticised Kape's conduct.
“Her interpretation of a matjiehuis, regalia, incoherent conduct and zero knowledge of our culture and historical territories is an indication of who is party or colluding in this charade? Any Mother who denies her children the right to education and safety has no self-awareness.”
Kape says family followed correct process
Kape accused Kleinhans-Cedras of harassing her and her family.
She told IOL Media that the family had followed the correct process before building the hut.
“We asked for permission in writing. The first thing I did was come here; they sent me to the reception.”
She said she was referred to management.
“They came and said that this is a perfect space for us, but we must send a proposal.”
Kape said the family submitted the proposal and it was accepted.
“We did the proposal and presented it to them, and they accepted it.”
She said this happened in January, but the process subsequently stalled.
“Then we followed up, and they kept postponing.”
Kape said the family then escalated the matter.
“We had to resend the proposal and copied the CEO. He responded and said we must have a meeting.”
She claimed the CEO and board members gave the family the go-ahead during that meeting.
Kape said: “They told us in the meeting that they agreed with us. They walked us out and showed us this space, and said we can put our hut here.”
Castle of Good Hope matter expected in court
The family confirmed that an eviction took place shortly before Heritage Day but did not provide further details.
Kape did not comment on accusations that she was misrepresenting Khoisan culture.
IOL Media approached Castle of Good Hope management, which asked not to comment until the court ruling on Tuesday.