Department of Science and Technology is Hosting a Three Day Workshop on Indigenous Knowledge Systems

07-09 June 2004

The Department of Science and Technology Indigenous Knowledge Systems Unit is hosting a Workshop for SADC Member States from the 07th to the 09th of June 2004 at the Roode Vallei Lodge in Pretoria. This workshop follows from a SADC workshop on Policy Development in Science and Technology which was held in Maputo, Mozambique in May 2003. The participants at the Maputo workshop identified IKS as a growing area of development and importance for the SADC region and had recommended that South Africa should take the lead in organising a follow-up workshop on IKS. This workshop is also done in support of the NEPAD strategy on developing and protecting indigenous knowledge.

The main objectives of the workshop are to facilitate policy dialogue on key issues in IKS for sustainable socio-economic human development, to share successful country and regional innovations and best practices in promoting IKS aimed at all round human development and to develop a regional framework for the protection of IKS. Some of the expected outcomes of the workshop are: A comprehensive analysis of the regional contexts and trends in KS Policy Development. A revitalisation of the SADC network and therefore a strengthening of partnerships and cooperation in delivering IKS Policy in the region. Workshop recommendations on areas of priority. Strategies and resources that will contribute towards the delivery of a relevant and a high quality policy on IKS.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) is an all inclusive knowledge system that covers technologies and practices that have been and are still used by indigenous and local people for existence, survival and adaptation in a variety of environments. Such knowledge is not static but evolves and changes as it develops, influences and is influenced by both internal and external circumstances and interaction with other knowledge systems. Such knowledge covers content and contexts such as agriculture, architecture, engineering, mathematics, governance and other social systems and activities, medicinal and indigenous plant varieties, arts and culture, etc.

In recognition of the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the wealth of this knowledge in South Africa, the Department of Science and Technology has been playing a leading role in the affirmation, recognition, protection and promotion thereof. Apart from the establishment of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Unit in the Department in 2002, it has also been actively supporting research through the provision of funding to Science Councils and Tertiary Institutions as well as support to non-governmental structures working in the area of IKS.

Government representatives from all SADC Member States working in the area of IKS have been invited. Representatives from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. Indigenous knowledge holders and practitioners, researchers at Science Councils and Tertiary Institutions are attending. Various government departments working in the area of IKS in South Africa will be participating. The workshop will be opened by the Director General of the Department of Science and Technology Dr Rob Adam.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

For more information, please contact Andrew Aphane: 082 387 5615