Indigenous Knowledge belongs in mainstream economy - experts
Government has been urged to devise policies that will protect and preserve Botswana’s traditional indigenous knowledge and mainstream into the country’s macro- economic framework.
Speaking to this publication this week, entrepreneur and herbalist, Mogomotsi Tsatsi said Botswana is rich in indigenous knowledge that would benefit most industries such as health, education and science, and there should be measures in place to ensure strict protection to avoid mismanagement, misappropriation, misuse and exploitation of this knowledge. He said he supported the sentiments of Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe, who a few weeks ago presented recommendation for Government to consider including traditional indigenous knowledge in the education system.
At the time, Letsholathebe made mention of Indigenous knowledge and witchcraft, the latter which raised controversy but Tsatsi, like the Minister later clarified, said that the utterances were taken out of context. He said there is still ignorance that some practices in our traditional indigenous systems are a form of witchcraft.
“In the sensible understanding, witchcraft is causing afflictions, curses and harm on another person - it is a far cry from indigenous knowledge. Traditional healing and traditional indigenous knowledge is used for the protection and elevation of people, flora and fauna; it is a positive science that protects and improves the lives of people.
We should not be corrupted by the false perceptions of evil people who use divine intervention and their understanding of Indigenous knowledge in a negative way. We should rather be proud of our history and cultural knowledge and beliefs, and continue to use and even export them. Look at how the Chinese and Indians for example, continue to preserve their indigenous knowledge from way back, carried on through their ancestral lineage, celebrate their beliefs and even economically benefit from sharing and exporting this knowledge.”
The SADC Committee of Science, Technology and Innovation has previously made efforts towards devising an inclusive framework which would encourage regional members to develop localised indigenous knowledge policies and work towards harmonizing them.
For many years, cultural activists have made calls for Africans to embrace their culture and roots, and most recently the Castle Milk Stout brand collaborated with the Congress of Traditional Leaders in Southern Africa ( CONTRALESA) to spearhead a campaign for greater recognition of African spirituality and traditional indigenous knowledge, as well as the establishment of Ancestors’ Day.
Castle Milk Stout Brand Manager, Khensani Mkhombo indicated that the brand has always celebrated, embraced and promoted African heritage, traditional indigenous knowledge and spirituality by encouraging Africans to reflect and learn more about their origins.
“This culminated in the brand connecting its passion for celebrating African culture into a partnership with CONTRALESA to raise awareness and lobby for the establishment of Ancestors’ Day. By so doing, we highlight the importance of remembering those who came before us ( ancestors) and the knowledge passed on to current generations, by establishing a platform for African cultures to come together for a common cause that has great potential to preserve and elevate our African identity and bolster economies. We urge all Africans to add their voice in amplifying the message on the importance of recognising Ancestors Day.”
There is already a petition online that can be accessed through the brand’s website.
On 25 April 2022, both stakeholders held a panel discussion in Johannesburg, South Africa, which was also streamed virtually. The speakers reiterated that Western culture, philosophy and technologies had a great influence on Africans due to colonialism and imperialism, but it eroded the essence of Africa’s cultural and spiritual fibre.
Chairperson of the Tradition, Heritage and Culture committee in the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders in South Africa, Nkosi Matabzima said: “We don’t have to go outside of Africa to seek wisdom. We tend to glorify the West and look down on our culture and innovations. It is high time we explore our intelligence as Africans because we are powerful. Honouring Ancestors’ day for example, will go a long way towards ensuring that as Africans, we promote our culture and stop worshipping other people’s cultures. It’s unfortunate that some Africans are mis- educated and believe that ancestors are “demons” which shows that more is still need for education on African culture and history.”