Panel Discussion on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

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The DST-NRF Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIKS) at UKZN hosted a panel discussion on IKS and the protection and preservation of biodiversity and heritage in South Africa. 

Director of the CIKS, Professor Hassan Kaya, said the event, which coincided with Arbor Month, was centred around the link between IKS and the preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Professor Jonathan Blackledge, emphasised the role trees played in the environment and the effects of deforestation. ‘The importance of Arbor Day is evident considering the increasing destruction and long-term damage deforestation does to the environment, especially indigenous plant biodiversity,’ said Blackledge.

The panel included the Head of the Qualifications Unit at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Mr Dugmore Mphuthing; the Head of the Gaqa Traditional  Medicine School in  Umlazi, Dr Mkhuluwe Protas Cele, and Provincial Secretary of the National Unitary Professional Association for African Traditional Health Practitioners of South Africa, Miss Bonisekile Nkomo.             

Mphuthing said: ‘The National Qualifications Framework has created opportunities for us to further develop IKS.’

He outlined the initiative by the Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with SAQA,  CIKS and the North-West  University to create a Statutory Body for the Accreditation and Certification of  indigenous  knowledge holders and practitioners, which will  enable their knowledge - including that of the preservation of natural resources - to be recognised. This accreditation and certification would also allow for the regulation of IKS.

Cele, who has a traditional medicine school, herbarium and pharmacy in Umlazi, shared his indigenous knowledge about the preservation of indigenous plants for sustainable livelihood. He disagreed that traditional healers were harvesting plants unsustainably, saying: ‘Preservation of the environment and natural resources as healers is something we grew up with – it’s in our nature.’

Nkomo reiterated that diverting from cultures and traditions could have dire implications and highlighted several useful traditions which were no longer practised.

The event included a tree planting ceremony to mark Arbor Month and to encourage the cultivation of plants.