Indigenous Knowledge Systems

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS

In discussing its five year mandate for the transformation of the nation and contributing to the democratisation of the country, the Portfolio Committee initiated the concept of a year of Science and Technology. Within this discussion one of the six key points that emerged was the audit of indigenous technologies.

In discussing its five year mandate for the transformation of the nation and contributing to the democratisation of the country, the Portfolio Committee initiated the concept of a year of Science and Technology. Within this discussion of the six key points that emerged, was the audit of indigenous technologies. A discussion between the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee and the President of the CSIR, gave rise to this project.

These and further discussions with Dr Serote resonated with the developing relationship between CSIR and the University of the North through Professor Phuti Ngoepe, who has spent considerable time looking for linkages to natural and community resources in the Northern Province to contextualise and inform the research agenda of the University. Prof. Ngoepe was requested to assist in finding a champion for a pilot study in the Northern Province in December 1996-January 1997. A significant meeting was held at the University of Venda at which the audit was discussed

The approach from the beginning of these discussions has been informed by an intense pragmatism and a commitment to finding economic and social benefits in the technological resources of communities rather than adopting an analytical sociological or anthropological approach.

The pilot study exceeded the expectations of the organisers and has provided a good platform for more extensive programme design and further pilots. This process has also been informed by the need to protect the vested intellectual property rights of communities individuals, the strengthening of the relevance of research at tertiary institutions, linkage to provincial structures and governmental small business support initiatives and to the development of a sustainable approach to the management of information and data assembled with the assistance of the community partners.

An audit has been envisaged which the Portfolio Committee intends to conduct in the historically disadvantaged institiutions to get information on their involvement in the project.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to this site is encouraged to contact the Coordinator of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems project, Dr Lynda Gilfillan, at (021)403-3253, or send an email message to parltech@mweb.co.za

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Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation in South Africa