Nzimande welcomes enactment of indigenous knowledge law

South Africa’s science minister has welcomed the signing into law of the indigenous knowledge protection act.

The legislation was signed into law by president Cyril Ramaphosa on 13 August. Among other matters, it regulates the benefits from, and access to, traditional knowledge such as herbal remedies and cultural designs. 

Blade Nzimande, the minister of higher education, science and technology, said this would end the misappropriation and exploitation of indigenous knowledge because of lack of legal protection.