Recognising prior learning in indigenous knowledge (IK) will ensure that people and communities who have preserved traditional knowledge for generations are included in South Africa’s national innovation agenda.
This is the intention of the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), which in partnership with the North-West University (NWU) and several other universities, is facilitating the development of norms and standards for IK as a discipline.
Positive progress was made during a conference held in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal from 27 to 31 October, focusing on the recognition of prior learning in IK, in line with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, legislation such as the IK Act and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
More than 80 participants attended the conference, including traditional Khoi and San leaders, representatives from government departments that promote IK disciplines, and various universities, including the NWU, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo.
There to represent the NWU were Prof Thebe Medupe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, director of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre.
Working towards common goals
The conference delegates engaged in dialogue and participated in developing norms and standards for the recognition of prior learning in IK. They also spoke about and documented IK experiences from different cultural backgrounds and encouraged wisdom keepers who practise the various IK disciplines to contribute to the establishment of a national framework for competency-based recognition.
The framework will focus on IK descriptors, scope of knowledge, ethics, professionalism, context, systems, problem solving and accountability.
Pursuit of knowledge sovereignty
The conference began with a traditional opening ceremony led by Inyosi (a praise poet), Buzersheni Mdletshe, whose address highlighted the enduring power of ancestral wisdom in shaping contemporary society.
A welcome message was delivered by representatives from Research Institute for heritage resources authority called Amafa Akwazulu-Natal, reaffirming the importance of partnerships between government, academia and traditional communities in advancing indigenous scholarship and safeguarding cultural identity.
Messages of support also came from community-based institutions such as Africology and Bantu Soul Society, including traditional health practitioners.
In his keynote address, Dr Mlungisi Cele, director-general of the DSTI, said IK forms the foundation of Africa’s innovation ecosystem and is essential to building sustainable futures.
He emphasised that recognising prior learning and indigenous contributions ensures that communities who have preserved traditional knowledge for generations are fully included in South Africa’s national innovation agenda.
Dr Cele commended the NWU and the University of Venda for making IK systems and studies part of their academic offering. He also highlighted the need to ensure that IKS explores areas such artificial intelligence to attract the young generation.
IKS for African renewal
A highlight of the first day was a roundtable discussion on the topic “IKS – Save our continent”, which saw academics, students and community elders, exploring how indigenous knowledge systems can serve as a catalyst for African renewal, environmental stewardship and cultural revival.
Participants discussed the urgent need to protect indigenous intellectual property, revive traditional ecological practices, and reimagine African education systems through indigenous lenses. The point was made that Africa’s survival depends on valuing its people’s wisdom, languages and traditions as vital instruments for socio-economic and environmental transformation.
An open reflection session followed, allowing participants to share personal experiences, research insights and community perspectives on how to apply IKS to address contemporary challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and cultural erosion.
Day two of the conference entailed a full-day excursion to the Zulu Kingdom’s Royal homestead in Ulundi. During the proceedings, Inkosi Buthelezi from Kwanobamba expressed satisfaction that IK advocates from as far afield as the NWU, the University of Mpumalanga, Nelson Mandela University and the University of Venda had assembled to celebrate their heritage.
The third day was dedicated to breakaway sessions to develop norms and standards on IK disciplines such as astronomy and cosmology, leadership and trade, architecture, mining, environmental management and technology, cultural expressions, indigenous games and sports, knowledge acquisition and skills transfer, among others.
Towards a shared vision for IK
The RPL conference reaffirmed that IK is not only a cultural inheritance but a science, that can drive innovation, education reform and sustainable development, with a role to play in the knowledge economy. Holistic and multidisciplinary, it has a strong element of community engagement.
The conference also delved into indigenous education, biodiversity, innovation ecosystems and policy integration, laying the groundwork for a unified framework that honours Africa’s intellectual heritage while advancing its scientific frontiers.
The NWU, together with its partners, the DTI and the University of Venda, remains dedicated to driving knowledge transformation beyond the conventional, empowering communities to shape a future that is authentically African and globally relevant.
NWU deputy dean for teaching and learning, Prof Thebe Medupi, delivers the message of support.
Dr Mlungisi Cele, director-general of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and delegates.
