For the North-West University (NWU) alumnus Tsakani Mabena, 2026 has marked a significant chapter in her journey as a young advocate for the preservation, promotion and advancement of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS).
Tsakani graduated in 2026 with a Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (BIKS), offered by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (DSTI-NRF CEIKS), based in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the NWU Mahikeng Campus.
Her journey from the classroom to becoming an emerging voice in indigenous knowledge has recently been accompanied by significant recognition, including receiving an IKS Honorary Award and being officially crowned Miss eNetHealth SA Official 2026.
The recognition comes at a time when Tsakani is increasingly exploring innovative ways of ensuring that indigenous knowledge remains relevant, accessible and responsive to contemporary challenges.
Turning indigenous knowledge into innovation
From 2 to 4 June 2026, Tsakani had the opportunity to attend the first Indigenous Knowledge-Based Technology Innovation Investment Summit, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the NWU, the University of Venda, the University of Limpopo, Innovation Hub and the National Science and Technology Forum.
The summit brought together young innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and other stakeholders interested in creating sustainable opportunities through indigenous knowledge systems.
During the summit, Tsakani presented an idea for an indigenous architecture workshop an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous architectural knowledge and practices.
Her idea was informed by the observation that while considerable attention has been given to the preservation and development of indigenous knowledge in areas such as African traditional medicine, indigenous architecture has received comparatively less attention.
Traditional building methods, the use of local materials, indigenous designs and culturally significant spaces form an important part of the heritage and identity of Africa. Tsakani’s proposed workshop seeks to create a platform where this knowledge can be documented, shared, taught and preserved for future generations.
Her proposal demonstrated how indigenous knowledge can move beyond preservation and become a source of innovation, education, entrepreneurship and community development.
Recognition for championing indigenous knowledge
Tsakani’s contribution and commitment to indigenous knowledge subsequently earned her a nomination for the IKS Honorary Award, resulting in an invitation to the ATM/IKS Honorary Awards hosted by eNetHealth SA Official.
The awards ceremony was held at the Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark on 8 August 2026 and brought together traditional health practitioners, researchers, innovators, exhibitors, community representatives and government officials.
The gathering provided a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration around indigenous knowledge and African traditional medicine, while recognising individuals and organisations contributing to the preservation and advancement of African knowledge systems.
The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of Kgosikgolo Lehasa II, whose attendance added significance to an event dedicated to celebrating contributions to indigenous knowledge.
A major highlight for Tsakani was receiving an IKS Honorary Award and being officially crowned Miss eNetHealth SA Official 2026.
For the young graduate, the recognition represents more than a personal achievement. It reflects the growing role that young people can play in ensuring that indigenous knowledge is protected, promoted and made accessible to future generations.
From graduate to emerging indigenous entrepreneur
Tsakani’s journey also highlights the potential of graduates of indigenous knowledge systems programmes to develop innovative responses to contemporary challenges.
Her proposed indigenous architecture workshop provides an example of how knowledge acquired through academic study can be translated into practical initiatives that preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Her journey is also closely connected to the efforts of the DSTI-NRF CEIKS to expose students to indigenous knowledge-based technologies, innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, director of DSTI-NRF CEIKS, it is important that students studying and graduating in indigenous knowledge systems are exposed to indigenous knowledge-based technologies, innovation and entrepreneurship to help address challenges relating to graduate unemployment and unemployability.
Dr Koitsiwe says these aspects should be incorporated into the review of the BIKS programme qualification mix, which is being undertaken until the end of 2026 as part of the new curriculum century.
“Tsakani is humble, intelligent and innovative, and she is one of the emerging grassroots entrepreneurs that we have mentored with Dr Lele Moroole through the BIKS Coachlab,” says Dr Koitsiwe.
He adds that the centre is proud of Tsakani’s work in African indigenous entrepreneurship and regards her IKS Honorary Award as an inspiration to other students and young people.
Inspiring a new generation
Tsakani’s story demonstrates how indigenous knowledge can serve as a foundation for both cultural preservation and contemporary innovation.
Her journey from a BIKS graduate of the NWU to a recognised young advocate for indigenous knowledge illustrates the possibilities that emerge when academic knowledge, mentorship, entrepreneurship and cultural heritage are brought together.
Through her indigenous architecture workshop concept, Tsakani is advocating for greater recognition of indigenous architectural knowledge alongside other areas of indigenous knowledge, particularly African traditional medicine.
The journey from the Indigenous Knowledge-Based Technology Innovation Investment Summit to the ATM/IKS Honorary Awards represents an important milestone in her development as a young indigenous knowledge advocate and entrepreneur.
Her recognition also reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for young indigenous knowledge graduates to participate meaningfully in innovation and entrepreneurship.
As Tsakani continues her journey, her achievements provide an encouraging example of how young graduates can contribute to keeping African knowledge systems alive while exploring new pathways for their contribution to education, innovation, community development and socio-economic transformation.
NWU alumnus Tsakani Mabena
