By Mzwandile Ndlovu
A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge into practical rural development took centre stage as stakeholders gathered for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.
Held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart village model: A multi-stakeholder planning dialogue for sustainable rural development”, the three-day engagement from 24 to 26 March 2026 moved beyond conceptual discussions towards implementation and community participation.
The dialogue was convened as a partnership by academic, government, traditional and civil society leaders, including the North-West University (NWU) Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Nyandeni Royal House, Mzo Smart Village (MSV) Consulting and the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
The conference built on South Africa’s first Indigenous Knowledge-led Smart Village Regeneration Conference held in February 2025, which introduced the theoretical foundations of the Nyandeni Smart Village initiative.
Transforming communities
The initiative is aimed at stimulating rural and regional economies by integrating indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, cultural heritage, quality education and citizen engagement. The model seeks to protect indigenous knowledge while promoting environmental sustainability, job creation and the revitalisation of rural areas through policy integration and community participation.
MSV Consulting founder Prof. Mzo Sirayi said the transformative vision behind the smart village initiative was rooted in indigenous knowledge and community empowerment. “Smart villages are not limited to a single model or confined to one location. One smart village can serve as a hub that benefits an entire region delivering essential services such as healthcare, education, clean water, and energy access,” said Prof. Sirayi.
“This initiative is not just an idea; it is a mission to transform rural communities. It calls on all stakeholders, government, investors and citizens to commit to practical roles that ensure sustainable development and real impact. If we act together we can empower communities, protect indigenous knowledge and create lasting economic opportunities,” he added.
Dr Mothusiotsile Maditsi, lecturer and coordinator of the NWU’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, explained how the smart village project will blend Amampondo indigenous knowledge with modern technologies to create a culturally grounded and innovative community.
“The centre aims to harness traditional architecture and local resources to create a culturally rooted, innovative village, while using 4IR technologies like nanotech to drive smart village development,” said Dr Maditsi.
Protecting IKS
Central to the discussions was the implementation of the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act 6 of 2019, which seeks to elevate indigenous knowledge systems as a driver of socio-economic development.
Shumikazi Rodolo, acting director for policy development and institutionalisation at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, highlighted the role of the Act in protecting communities from exploitation.
“Signed into law in 2019, the Act safeguards indigenous knowledge and associated resources. To put it into action, the smart village concept was developed. We chose the Eastern Cape because, despite its rich resources and knowledge, it remains one of the poorer provinces, with many people migrating for work. The initiative aims to harness local knowledge to revitalise communities and improve livelihoods,” she said.
Nyandeni Local Municipality Mayor Viwe Ndamase highlighted the progress and community excitement around the initiative “This is the second round of the initiative, and we have made great progress, the site is fenced, rezoning is underway and community resolutions are complete. With investors, academics, and even the Zulu Kingdom now involved, the dialogue is a success,” he said.
“We are doing this with great enthusiasm because this is a ground breaking programme that has never been there before. So, we are pacesetters as Nyandeni Local Municipality,” he concluded.
Delegates to the Smart Village Conference joined community members for a Smart Village project site viewing.
