A significant sponsorship of 5100 copies of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: An authoritative guide for South African teachers is set to expand access to this vital educational resource across North West and beyond. The donation, valued at approximately R1,8 million, marks a major step forward in efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge into both school and higher-education curricula.
The sponsorship was made possible following the downscaling of their operations by Via Afrika, the publisher of the book, with the Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU) stepping in to ensure the books reach classrooms where they are most needed. The faculty covered the courier costs, allowing the donation to go directly towards empowering teachers and learners.
Prof. Josef de Beer, the deputy dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies of the faculty, says although they are saddened by the downscaling that led to the donation by Via Afrika, this generous sponsorship ensures that thousands of teachers and student teachers will now have access to a resource that can transform how indigenous knowledge is taught and experienced in classrooms.
The books will be distributed to schools through the teaching practice (work-integrated learning) network of the NWU, with lecturers delivering copies directly to partner schools. Several staff members of the university have already committed to making copies available to student teachers, ensuring that indigenous knowledge forms part of their pre-service training.
Prof. Josef says they appreciate the sponsorship and are grateful to Via Afrika, as it especially aligns with the strategic vision of the faculty. “Our focus at the faculty for 2026 is ‘Tshimologo’, a Setswana word meaning a new beginning or a new season,” Prof. Josef explains. “Part of this journey is to promote the rich cultural heritage of our country in both pre-service and in-service teacher education programmes. Indigenous knowledge provides epistemological access to the curriculum for culturally diverse learners. This donation supports that vision in a very tangible way.”
Indigenous knowledge as a catalyst for innovation
The book itself remains a comprehensive guide that bridges indigenous knowledge systems with the current (CAPS) curriculum. It explores themes such as ethnobotany, indigenous agriculture, architecture, mining, technology and cultural practices, while offering practical strategies to help teachers bring these topics to life in the classroom.
Prof. Josef explains that indigenous knowledge is deeply rooted in problem-solving and self-directed learning: “Communities historically developed this knowledge through real-world challenges. By engaging learners in similar problem-solving processes, we show them that indigenous knowledge is not static but is a living, evolving science.”
By placing the book in the hands of both practising teachers and student teachers, the NWU aims to ensure that this perspective becomes embedded in teaching practice from the outset.
According to Prof. Josef, the distribution of these 5 100 copies represents more than a once-off donation; it signals a broader movement towards inclusive and culturally responsive education.
He believes the initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration: “This sponsorship is not only a gift of books but also an investment in innovation, inclusivity and educational reform. It ensures that indigenous knowledge takes its rightful place alongside other knowledge systems in our schools.”
Video: Prof. Josef de Beer gives copies of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: An authoritative guide for South African teachers to staff of Promosa Secondary School: https://youtu.be/UL7vJq9K0zo
Photo: Promosa Secondary School received copies of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: An authoritative guide for South African teachers on 6 July. From left are Millicent Gordon, teacher for consumer studies and creative arts (Promosa Secondary School), Freddie Jeffrey Cain, departmental head for humanities (Promosa Secondary School), Vonna Wathen Naidoo, principal (Promosa Secondary School), Prof. Neal Petersen, NWU’s research unit for self-directed learning, mathematics, science and technology education, and natural sciences education (Faculty of Education), and Prof. Josef de Beer, deputy dean for research and postgraduate studies (Faculty of Education).
