Last chance to comment on SA’s indigenous knowledge bill

The South African parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology is seeking feedback from the public on a bill aiming to tap into and protect indigenous knowledge.

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems Bill calls for the establishment of a National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office. When first gazetted on 20 March 2015 it raised eyebrows for stipulating that indigenous communities could claim back-payments for the use of their knowledge under certain conditions.

The Department of Science and Technology and science minister Naledi Pandor have placed a strong focus on indigenous knowledge in recent years, including bilateral deals with international partners.