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The Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy remains the cornerstone of government's approach to affirming African cultural values in the face of globalisation, strengthening the contribution of indigenous knowledge to social and economic development in South Africa, and interfacing IKS with other knowledge systems, said the Director-General of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Mlungisi Cele.

Dr Cele was addressing indigenous knowledge holders, traditional leaders and government officials on 27 October 2025 at the opening of the five-day Conference on the Recognition of Prior Learning in Indigenous Knowledge.

The conference, currently under way in KwaZulu-Natal, was jointly organised by Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the universities of North-West and Venda under the theme "Beyond the Thinking". It aims to finalise national norms and standards for the recognition of prior learning (RPL) across a wide range of indigenous knowledge (IK) disciplines, building on pilot projects implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, North-West and Limpopo, particularly in the traditional healing sector, which demonstrated the feasibility of formalising IK competencies through structured assessment frameworks.

Dr Cele said that the RPL in IK initiative was part of the Department's mandate, under the IKS Policy, to address elements of indigenous knowledge that are not readily accommodated in the National Qualifications Framework. The aim is to establish a system for accrediting and certifying practitioners in various fields, often across disciplines, so that they can receive official recognition for their expertise.

"The IKS Policy, as an enabling framework, approaches indigenous knowledge on its own terms and recognises it as a source of understanding and innovation that has survived the forces of colonialism. It covers all forms of indigenous knowledge and technologies, including the rich heritage and different ways of thinking embodied in local languages," said Dr Cele.

Since the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act was promulgated in 2019, the DSTI has worked closely with academic and community partners to implement it. The DSTI partnered with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, and the University of Venda to develop provincial steering committees tasked with piloting the RPL process for traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal, North-West and Limpopo.

Other groundbreaking engagements hosted by the DSTI include the 2019 Traditional Birth Attendance Conference, national consultation workshop on male rites of passage (ukubuthwa) and female rites of passage (ukukhuliswa kwezintombi) in 2022 and 2023, and the first Conference on the Recognition of Prior Learning in Indigenous Knowledge in 2024.

Delivering a message of support on behalf of North-West University, Prof. Thebe Medupe said that there was excitement about the inclusive approach taken. "RPL is about opening doors for education. It is an integral part of any education system," he said.

The University of Venda's Dr Justice Makhanikhe was enthusiastic about the university's involvement in the RPL conference. "We are aware that, for the IKS Act to be realised, it requires all our efforts and participation. The RPL project on traditional birth attendants is still the talk of the town in my area. It was well received and there is a call that it should be rolled out to other disciplines," said Makhanikhe.

IK disciplines on the conference agenda include traditional rites of passage (for men and women), traditional Khoi and San leadership institutions, cosmology and astronomy, hunting and fishing (including habitat knowledge), farming and animal husbandry (including food systems, seed banking, and harvesting practices), trade, knowledge acquisition and the intergenerational transfer of IK, traditional cultural expressions (the visual arts, performance, couture, language, music and literature), and indigenous technology and architecture.

Gogo Nene, a traditional healer, called on stakeholders to work together to build the nation. "Let's bring our humanity back to life, and let humanity live with us," she said

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

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South Africa condemns the abhorrent attacks deliberately targeting civilians and essential civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. We firmly assert that there must be no impunity for the serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). The principle of protection of civilians and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure remain non-negotiable legal and moral obligations.

These persistent acts of impunity have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe, leaving over half of the country's population in dire need of life-saving aid.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the emergency meeting convened by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) concerning the gravely worsening situation in the Republic of Sudan. The decisive intervention of the African Union at this critical juncture is a paramount imperative for restoring peace and stability.

The South African government firmly calls upon the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately and unconditionally:

1. Implement an immediate and verifiable cessation of hostilities.
2. Adhere strictly to their obligations under IHL and IHRL, including protecting medical personnel and allowing safe passage for those seeking refuge.
3. Ensure rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected populations across Sudan.

We call upon all external actors and countries involved in this crisis to adhere to international law. This entails moving away from any form of supporting, supplying, or enabling the armed belligerents. South Africa stands ready to support a credible, inclusive process that would lead to a justice peace leading the re-establishment of civilian-led political transition. The sovereignty and will of the Sudanese people for a democratic future must be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has taken firm action against a shark longline vessel found to have breached permit conditions — reaffirming government's commitment to protecting South Africa's shark populations and restoring integrity in our fisheries.

Following an inspection on 25 June 2025, Fishery Control Officers confirmed that the vessel had failed to comply with permit condition 5.1(h), which requires that all sharks, including skates and St Joseph, be landed with heads and fins naturally attached to allow for proper species monitoring.

The skipper was issued with an administrative fine for the offence. The Department is now finalising further administrative consideration and may take additional measures under section 28 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998), including suspension or revocation of permits.

This enforcement action forms part of DFFE's broader effort to strengthen ocean governance and restore accountability within the sector. As Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, noted: “The health of our oceans depends on the rule of law being upheld at sea. When we enforce the law, we protect not only sharks and marine ecosystems, but also the livelihoods of honest fishers and the future of our coastal communities. There can be no sustainable economy without accountability.”

South Africa's shark populations are vital to the health of our oceans and the resilience of coastal communities. DFFE is strengthening compliance patrols, investing in enforcement capacity, and working with law-enforcement agencies to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Illegal fishing steals from future generations. By enforcing the law at sea, we protect both people and planet.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal fishing to the Environmental Crimes and Incidents Hotline at 0800 205 005 or their nearest Fisheries Compliance Office.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.