South Africa to host International Webinar on Indigenous Knowledge
The South African Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Act is the only one of its kind in the world. It provides for the protection of the IK system, traditional cultural expressions and natural resources associated with IK.
The IK Act, signed into law by President Ramaphosa in 2019, aims to prevent the unauthorised use and misappropriation of knowledge developed over time by South Africa's indigenous communities.
The Act will be the topic of conversation during an international webinar hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation on Thursday, 18 March 2020. The webinar is expected to inspire researchers, academics, businesses and policymakers to work in an integrated manner to contribute to food security, agriculture, conservation of the environment, sustainable development, education, and cultural and biological diversity.
The Act aims to place indigenous communities in South Africa at the centre of efforts to commercialise IK products and processes.
The event will be addressed by several notable speakers, including Prof. Yonah Seleti, Acting Deputy Director-General: Research Development and Support at the Department of Science and Innovation, Prof. Vhonani Netshandama, Director for Community Engagement at the University of Venda, and Chief Mavhungu Ramabulana, renowned herbalist, who will share their insights with local and international stakeholders on the unique features of the IK Act, as well as innovation and product development for the commercial use of products, services and processes, among other things.
In the national interest, the use of IK is encouraged in the development of innovative, socially and economically relevant products and services.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 18 March 2021
Time: 10:00 to 11:30
To attend, please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V8-LFIhuRL-W-LUQAn6g_A
Enquiries:
Julian Leshilo
Cell: 060 961 2194.
