National Research Foundation and Department of Science and Technology

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) policy was adopted in 2004 and this was followed by the development of the National IKS Office (NIKSO) in 2006. The integration of IKS as a flagship of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) Ten Year Innovation Plan in 2008 has affirmed the South African government’s commitment to mainstream IKS in the country.

It is envisaged that IKS will contribute a great deal towards (among other things) sustainable economic development, not only of South Africa (where it has been identified as an area of scientific and geographic competitive advantage), but of the African continent as a whole.

The current IKS knowledge production model was rolled-out in 2009 following the review and redesign of the previous IKS programme. This call for 2011/12 funding for IKS knowledge production and human capital development represents the continuation of a comprehensive programme.

Through this call, the National Research Foundation seeks applications that meet the following requirements:

a) Scope of the Call

Applications must respond to at least one of the following:

• IKS and Bioeconomy(African traditional medicine, food security and cosmetics)
• IKS Epistemology,(Ubuntu and cosmology,taxonomies, pedagogies and methodologies)
• IKS and Climate Change
• IKS and Energy
• IKS Practices of Khoi, Nama, Griqua and San communities
• Novel and creative thinking that will shift the boundaries of IKS knowledge production and that address national priorities in South Africa.

b) Participation by IKS holders/practitioners/community members

Joint and active participation and equal ownership between academic scientists and IKS holders must be evident in the application. For more information please visit NRF website” www.nrf.ac.za or contact David Manamela at (012) 481 4046.

Applications must be submitted to Jane Mabena not later than 13 February 2012.
jane@nrf.ac.za