BuaNews (Tshwane)
Edwin Tshivhidzo
5 August 2008
Pretoria — Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena has said he hopes the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Expo 2008 will highlight the tremendous innovations occurring in IKS in South Africa as well as satisfy the growing demand for information.
The IKS expo is organised by the department, in partnership with the Northern Flagship Institution and other government departments and science councils.
Speaking at the launch of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Pretoria on Monday, Minister Mangena said the primary objective of the expo is to increase public awareness and understanding of IKS as well as the opportunities provided by government in IKS.
The expo will bring together a wide range of innovators and crafters who will demonstrate the economic value of products derived from indigenous knowledge and technology, such as medicinal herbs, indigenous games, indigenous food crops and musical instruments.
Since the adoption of IKS policy in 2004, some strides have been made in terms of realising the five overarching objectives of the IKS policy which includes the affirmation, recognition, promotion, development and the protection of indigenous knowledge.
"Another major achievement is the completion of a national audit of IKS databases hosted by various institutions," he said.
The department established the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office (NIKSO) in 2005 to ensure that IKS is interfaced within the National Systems of Innovation.
Earlier this year, a 10-member advisory body aimed at providing expert and strategic advice to government on Indigenous Knowledge Systems was unveiled.
The primary function of the committee is to provide a critical assessment of the extent to which the NIKSO carries out its mandate, including implementing IKS policy in line with the department's mandate.
Minister Mangena said robust computers will be located in public places is disadvantaged communities.
Digital Doorways will be set up and linked to a multimedia platform that will be deployed at three community sites as part of knowledge sharing and community intellectual empowerment.
"Other dynamic initiatives include the establishment of IKS research chairs, which will be based at our tertiary institutions and they are expected to increase human capital required to conduct research and develop appropriate skills in indigenous knowledge," he said.
The first research chair on traditional medicines has been established at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine.
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