The Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology invites interested people and stakeholders to submit written comments on the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Bill.

The Bill seeks to provide for the protection, promotion, development and management of indigenous knowledge systems; to provide for the establishment and functions of the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office; to provide for the management of rights of indigenous knowledge holders; to provide for the establishment and functions of the Advisory Panel on indigenous knowledge systems; to provide access and conditions of access to knowledge of indigenous and local communities; to provide for the registration, accreditation and certification of indigenous knowledge practitioners; to provide for the facilitation and coordination of indigenous knowledge systems-based innovation; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

Enquiries, as well as written submissions, can be directed to Ms Shanaaz Isaacs and be addressed to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology, 3rd floor, W/S 3/130, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town, 8001 or emailed to shisaacs@parliament.gov.za. In addition to the written comments, please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation to the Committee.

The closing date for submissions is 15 December 2016.

Copies of the Bill can be obtained from Shanaaz Isaacs on tel: 021-4033763, cell 0837098536 or www.parliament.gov.za

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Acting Chairperson, Ms Lmaseko