Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are recognised by the government of South Africa as important in making an impact on the international scientific stage by contributing to leading edge global knowledge. The IKS Policy adopted by the Cabinet in 2004 created an enabling framework to stimulate and strengthen the contribution of indigenous knowledge to national development in the country. The adoption of this policy resulted in significant progress such as the establishment of the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office and South African Research Chairs as well as an accredited bachelor’s qualification, which has contributed to human capacity development and knowledge production.

The recent promulgation of the IKS Act 6 of 2019 provides a coherent legislative instrument that will formalise indigenous knowledge as a knowledge domain in its own right, enable developments in this scientific field and pave the way for indigenous knowledge holders to contribute and become part of the mainstream economy, using their own indigenous knowledge. Through these developments, it is envisaged that indigenous knowledge systems would contribute to development through existing and potentially new market segments in the economy. Equally important is the role of education and communication approaches, which will support informed decision-making on IKS-based technologies and their acceptance by the public. NRF|SAASTA will be hosting a webinar to discuss the recent developments in indigenous knowledge systems in South Africa. Led by the country’s top researchers in this field, the main objectives of the webinar will be: 

• To provide a broad overview of the indigenous knowledge in South Africa and the importance of the recent legislation in the development of the field and for inclusivity;
• To discuss the commercialisation, state of innovation in indigenous knowledge and potential ‘untapped’ market that will enable its contributing to economy and national development; 
• To discuss the role of effective communication approaches to enhancing the public perception of indigenous knowledge systems as a strategy to support introduction in the mainstream.

WEBINAR – INTRODUCING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INTO THE MAINSTREAM ECONOMY

DATE: 27 JANUARY 2021

VENUE: ONLINE

TIME: 10H50 – 13H00

FACILITATOR: DR MAYASHREE CHINSAMY

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