Also to be set up are research chairs on IKS, which would be based at higher education institutions in the country to help increase the human capital required to conduct research and develop appropriate skills in indigenous knowledge.

The first research chair - on traditional medicine - is based at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in the Eastern Cape and is expected to lead the production of knowledge on traditional medicines that could result in the development of health products to cure diseases.

In addition, computers will be located in public places in disadvantaged communities, as part of knowledge sharing.

Opening the weeklong IKS Expo 2008 in Pretoria on Monday, Minister Mosibudi Mangena said since its establishment in 2005, the National IKS Office (NIKSO) had made some strides in line with the objectives of the IKS Policy.

“Another major achievement is the completion of a national audit on IKS databases hosted by various institutions,” said the Minister.

It is hoped these databases would enable researchers to access valuable information to be able to develop for example, products and services, and improve the economic situation of practitioners through the commercialisation of IKS.

The Minister explained that the information gathered would enable indigenous knowledge to be identified, codified, documented and systematised.

“Without these databases and databanks, it will become increasingly difficult to protect indigenous knowledge and its related intellectual properties,” he said.

The Minister said this Expo organised in collaboration with the Northern Flagship Institutions and several government departments came at the time when there were robust debates on intellectual property rights at regional and international level.

For its part, South Africa was working on the Intellectual Property Amendment Bill and the Medicines Control and Related Substances Bill, to ensure the protection of IKS.

“These measures clearly demonstrate the efforts government is putting in place to ensure the protection of IKS,” said Dr Mangena.

The overarching purpose of the expo themed “Indigenous ways of knowing, work” is to raise awareness by displaying innovative products derived from indigenous knowledge and technologies from various sectors.

It also brings together scientists, IKS experts, Indigenous Knowledge holders and practitioners, professionals, politicians, students, and communities to discuss issues affecting the affirmation, development and protection of IKS.

The expo has three major components including an exhibition, workshops and fun activities. Each department is dedicated a specific day to roll out its theme.

Day One: The Department of Science and Technology led discussions on the theme “The FUTURE OF IKS BEYOND 2010.”

Day Two: The Department of Arts and Culture in its commitment to foster innovative projects that emphasise national perspectives and participation focused on the theme: "SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF IKS AND INDIGENOUS MUSIC".

Day Three:  The Department of Trade & Industry provides participants a critical opportunity to encounter and understand the issues around the protection and commercialization of IKS and will focus on the theme "COMMERCIALIZATION, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, & OTHER INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS OF IKS."

Day Four: The Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism - theme: "POLICY IKS AND BIO-PROSPECTING” relating to Articles of the Convention of Biodiversity will focus on issues of access and benefit sharing regarding the use of genetic resources associated with Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

Day Five: Workshop presentations on this day will be shared by the Departments of Health and Agriculture. The Department of Health- will focus primarily on theme "DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL AND MEDICINAL PLANTS, whilst the Department of Agriculture " theme will focus on “INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN AGRICULTURE.”

Day Six: IKS EXPO 2008 will culminate in Woman’s Day celebration. The Departments of Education, Minerals and Energy and Social Development and Sports and Recreation South Africa will present on the theme, “WOMEN, SOCIETY, CURRICULUM, IKS & DEVELOPMENT.”

For media enquires contact:

Zama Mthethwa, Assistant Director: Department of Science and Technology at 012 843 6781/082 808 3956 or zama.mthethwa@dst.gov.za

For more information about IKS, contact:

Ms Gaboile Tiro, Deputy Director: Policy Development & Advocacy, National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office, Department of Science and Technology on 012 843 6551/082 903 1348 or e mail: gaboile.tiro@dst.gov.za