Indigenous Knowledge System foreward
The Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy was adopted by Cabinet in November 2004, thus laying
in place the first important milestone in our efforts to recognize, affirm, develop, promote and protect Indigenous
Knowledge Systems in South Africa. Whilst unearthing the complexities and challenges associated with IKS,
a process that took longer than anticipated, it provided those involved with extraordinary experiences, from
which they emerged united in their admiration for the breadth and scale of South Africa’s valuable indigenous
knowledge resources. It also strengthened the spirit of collaboration between all stakeholders involved in its
design, from representatives of government departments and science councils, to tertiary institutions, NGOs
and, of course, individual knowledge holders.
The timing of the IKS policy is good. The activities of the SADC Region and NEPAD projects are gaining
momentum, and the new policy provides the framework for collaboration with our counterparts in other parts
of Africa. We can present a united front on problems facing both the region and the continent as a whole, such
as biopiracy, benefit sharing and lack of appropriate recognition of knowledge holders. The policy also comes
at a time when the debates at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Convention on Biodiversity
(CBD) and other international organizations and agencies are coordinating processes and dialogue between
developed and developing countries on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge
and Folklore. The policy will play an important role in contributing to the integrity of these debates and will help
chart the way forward on how South Africa views the interchange in the context of the contribution of knowledge
holders to these developments.
The publication of the IKS Policy represents an important achievement in terms of engaging IKS in the
drive to eradicate poverty. Whilst many intervention projects are involved in that noble cause, the IKS Policy
provides a basis upon which indigenous knowledge can be used to make more appropriate interventions. We
have great expectations that the adoption of this policy will lead to substantial improvements in the lives of
many citizens and their living conditions. So it is extremely important that the Department of Science and
Technology, together with other government departments and stakeholders, move forward firmly towards the
implementation of the policy and all its provisions.
It is with great pleasure therefore, that I present to you the IKS Policy.
original source: Department of Science and Technology