Two postgraduate students from the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) have earned recognition for their research on indigenous knowledge systems and traditional medicine. They secured second place in the Best Student Presenter category at the 3rd Regional African Traditional Medicine Symposium.

Master’s-degree students Keitumetse Mogashwa and Nkosinamandla Mbopheni received the recognition for their paper titled “Harnessing indigenous practices and beliefs to curb male infertility concerns in Dinokana village, North West province”.

The symposium was held from 12 to 13 October 2026 on the Richards Bay Campus of the University of Zululand. It brought together researchers, academics, students, traditional medicine practitioners and other stakeholders to explore the contribution of African traditional medicine to contemporary healthcare and community development.

Held under the theme “Integrating traditional African medicine, ancient wisdom, sustainability and communities for innovation, modern science and health”, the symposium provided a platform for exchanging research findings and perspectives on the relationship between traditional African medicine, indigenous knowledge systems and modern scientific approaches.

The students’ research places indigenous practices and beliefs in the important discussion on male infertility, highlighting the need to understand community knowledge, cultural perspectives and traditional approaches when examining health-related challenges.

Their presentation also contributed to broader conversations about the recognition, documentation and responsible consideration of indigenous knowledge in contemporary healthcare research.

Celebrating African knowledge and research

The achievement highlights the academic value of research that places indigenous knowledge systems and traditional medicine at the centre of scholarly inquiry. It also demonstrates the contribution emerging researchers can make to advancing African knowledge heritage and exploring its relevance to contemporary societal challenges.

Commenting on their achievement, Keitumetse and Nkosinamandla said: “Our participation in the symposium provided an important opportunity to share our research, engage with other scholars and contribute to conversations about the value of indigenous knowledge systems. Securing second place is encouraging and motivates us to continue exploring how indigenous practices and beliefs can inform research into health challenges affecting our communities.”

They added that research on traditional medicine should recognise the knowledge held within communities, while encouraging responsible engagement between indigenous knowledge holders and the scientific research community.

The symposium further provided an opportunity for postgraduate researchers to engage with scholars and practitioners from different disciplines, strengthening dialogue on the preservation, development and responsible application of traditional African medicine.

The recognition of Keitumetse and Nkosinamandla reflects the contribution by the NWU to research that engages with indigenous knowledge and its relevance to contemporary societal challenges. It also reinforces the importance of supporting postgraduate scholarship that explores African knowledge systems and their potential contribution to research, innovation and community development.

Keitumetse Mogashwa

Nkosinamandla Mbopheni