The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), today launched the SAWS book on Indigenous Weather Knowledge. The book, Rainbows in the Mist: Indigenous Weather Knowledge, Beliefs and Folklore in South Africa, discusses weather phenomena and indigenous knowledge, including the heavens, in this country. Many topics are covered, ranging from the significance of the Pleiades, to historical rain ceremonies. A number of weather myths are also explored. The book consists of nearly 600 pages and will become a South African heritage that will fill a gap that has not been addressed before.
In order to capture the wealth of indigenous knowledge for generations to come, the South African Weather Service, supported by Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi, initiated a two year research project into indigenous weather knowledge in South Africa. The author, Dr Peter Alcock, was appointed to undertake such research, consulting a variety of sources, many of which are in the archives of the South African Weather Service. A wide selection of sources external to the South African Weather Service was also used. The author avoided the use of too many technical terms in this “easy-to-read volume.”
Speaking at the launch Mabudafhasi said “South Africa now has a much more comprehensive book about indigenous weather knowledge. Although several years of research have gone into producing this book, there will always be room for more research and expanding the information base. It is envisaged that this book will encourage future researchers, educators and learners to gather more indigenous weather knowledge and to learn more about this indigenous heritage.”
Over the years, South Africans have collected a wealth of indigenous knowledge, especially pertaining to the weather. For quite some time, there has been a lack amongst communities in understanding scientific atmospheric sciences – especially since communities have always relied on their indigenous knowledge about the weather, said Mabudafhasi.
During 2009 the manuscript was subjected to a strict review process, conducted by the Department of Science and Technology. This review was passed with distinction. This comprehensive book will add to the heritage of indigenous knowledge in South Africa, especially in terms of weather and will fit in well with the Indigenous Knowledge Research Project that has been commissioned by one of SAWS’s partners, the University of Pretoria
The book will be sold by the South African Weather Service from 25 October 2010 at R390.00 plus postage (R75).
For more information and media enquiries:
Ms Modjadji Makoela
General Manager: Corporate Affairs South African Weather Service
Cell: 084 361 6469 or 084 428 1420
Mr Peter Mbelengwa (Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister)
Tel: 012 336 7902
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za
For enquiries about book sales:
Cell: 082 233 8686
