The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centre

We met recently with Zodwa from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centre. They were very impressed with the work we have done over the past few years, particularly in the areas of community engagement and content collection, and hoping to collaborate with us in some way in the coming years.

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centre is a response to the broader indigenous knowledge systems policy; it is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The aim of this project is for Indigenous knowledge holders to document indigenous knowledge so that it can be adequately protected and the information Disseminated. With this project the knowledge of the country will not be exploited, will be available for future generations, and people will get ownership of their indigenous knowledge and have future economic benefits and most importantly stimulate younger generation to use indigenous knowledge.

The information will be stored in the National Recordal System which was established for the purpose of recognizing, developing, promoting and protecting indigenous knowledge data. Documentation of indigenous knowledge systems will take place within the area of eThekwini municipality.