Pretoria - Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor says her department is committed to improving educational and employment prospects for students working in the field of indigenous knowledge systems.
"We know how important successful transition from university to work or further education is in ensuring young people have the best opportunities," she said at the launch of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Expo in Mafikeng in the North West.
Pandor said South Africa's rapid progress in indigenous knowledge has been made possible through the sheer ability, tenacity and wisdom of its educational leaders.
"Unless we help to change curricula in institutions of learning, indigenous knowledge will remain peripheral to much of our society," she said.
Pandor said her department had identified curriculum development as a strategic measure for mainstreaming indigenous knowledge in the educational landscape.
"Interfacing our indigenous philosophies and methodologies with those of mainstream sciences will contribute to the development of a unique set of graduates, who will be committed to developing the social, environmental, cultural and economic health of communities," Pandor said.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has developed an Indigenous Knowledge Systems policy, with the aim of stimulating and strengthening the contribution of indigenous knowledge to social and economic development in South Africa through developing, promoting and protecting indigenous knowledge.
The DST says other government departments, including Health, Trade and Industry, Environmental Affairs, Tourism, and Agriculture and Land Affairs, have a role to play in the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
