Attendees at the Indigenous Knowledge (IK)-based creative outputs event. Photo: Frans Nkhapele
By Delsy Sekgobela – delsy.sekgobela@ul.ac.za
In its ongoing continuous efforts to raise awareness about critical contemporary issues, the University of Limpopo (UL) recently hosted an event focused on the use, protection, and commercialisation of Indigenous Knowledge (IK)-based creative outputs, and genetic resources
The event aimed to highlight the legislative frameworks governing benefit-sharing in research involving indigenous materials and knowledge.
Prof Wiston Nxumalo, Coordinator for Medicinal Plant Niche Area at UL, presents a token of appreciation to the keynote speaker, Shumikazi Pongo.
Giving a keynote speech, Shumikazi Pongo, Deputy Director for Advocacy and Policy Development at the Department of Science and Innovation, addressed the historical absence of policy frameworks for IK. She referenced eferenc a 1994 audit that revealed the lack of formal policies, despite South Africa’s status as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
She explained that this oversight led to the adoption of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy in 2004. Pongo stressed the critical role of IK in sectors such as agriculture, health, and environmental management, and called for legal safeguards to prevent its misappropriation. “We often assume that communities lack agency, forgetting that they are the custodians of sustainability and knowledge,” she remarked.
Professor Kgabo Moganedi, Professor of Microbiology at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.
Professor Kgabo Moganedi, a Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology at UL, emphasised the importance of ensuring that bio-materials and traditional knowledge are communally owned, allowing local communities to benefit from any resulting commercial ventures. “Researchers engaging with communities must recognise the communal nature of IK and ensure fair benefit-sharing,” she stated.
Thabo Kgole, Intellectual Property Officer at UL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO),
Thabo Kgole, Intellectual Property Officer at UL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), focused on the commercialisation of IK-based products. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between research and market application, urging investment and sponsorship to support product licensing. “We must find ways to commercialise IK while ensuring that those supporting and investing in these products play a role in their development,” he explained. Kgole also shared UL’s ongoing efforts to establish an enterprise dedicated to managing the commercialisation process, including decisions on leadership and investment strategies.
Ayisha Seimela, a second-year Master of Science in Microbiology student, described the session as enlightening, deepening her understanding of the IK Act and its role in protecting community rights over traditional knowledge and creations. “I have learned how the IK Act protects community rights and how WIPO sets global standards for safeguarding IK,” she shared. Seimela also emphasised the importance of ensuring that communities benefit from their intellectual heritage, rather than allowing exploitation without consent. “This session made me realise the importance of respecting and acknowledging the origins of traditional knowledge, especially in research and creative industries,” she added.
Lebogang Legodi, a first-year Master of Science in Botany student, emphasised the importance of formally registering IK to secure communal benefits. “It is crucial for communities to register their IK to ensure they benefit from their cultural and intellectual heritage,” he said. He highlighted his point by citing Dr Esther Mahlangu, the celebrated Ndebele artist who collaborated with John Legend and BMW. “Dr Mahlangu brought her community to global prominence through her partnership with John Legend and BMW, yet the Ndebele community did not fully benefit because their IK was not registered,” he remarked.