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Mail & Guardian
indigenous knowledgelatest news & developments
Climate scenarios and models play a major role in shaping international policy.

Climate models failing to reflect inequality and Global South realities, study warns

Scientists say dominant climate and biodiversity models rely too heavily on existing economic systems and overlook inequality, Global South perspectives and Indigenous knowledge,…

Bestselling author:
Moshitadi Lehlomela.
Photo: Supplied

When Home Hurts: Moshitadi Lehlomela on Healing Maternal Trauma

Author Moshitadi Lehlomela confronts childhood trauma in Healing the Mother Wound

From Mbombela to the world: Bobby Shabangu has led a regional effort to draft the Africa Agenda, a document that captures the challenges faced
by the Wikimedia Communities in Africa. Photo: Supplied

Africa takes its seat at Wikimedia

Bobby Shabangu’s election to the Wikimedia Foundation Board marks a historic first for Africa and a decisive step toward global knowledge equity

Female first: Tshegofatso Seoka, curator of the Unisa Art Gallery, in the Kgorong Building, Pretoria, says that she prioritises acquiring works by women artists, and she emphasises the importance of institutions sharing resources.

Tshegofatso Seoka: Curating a new African consciousness at Unisa Art Gallery

The curator has created a radical meeting place where African consciousness, curation and community converge

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), established by the 1986 treaty signed by the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, is a multi-phased project that generates hydroelectricity through a system of several large dams and tunnels in Lesotho for domestic use and supplies water to the Vaal River System in South Africa for its economic hub, Gauteng.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Centre local voices in the climate change, conflict and peacebuilding nexus

Climate change and peacebuilding is usually dealt with at high levels by governments and international institutions, marginalising those directly affected

Health workers in Africa warn of communities pushed to the edge by the intersection of collapsing ecosystems and under-resourced health systems. Photo: Reuters

Indigenous knowledge is crucial in Africa’s climate and health fight

The climate crisis is fuelling illnesses such as malaria, cholera and dengue, causing food insecurity, malnutrition, miscarriages, heart ailments and mental health problems

A mountain overlooking Mamelodi. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

The God Edition | Dumpsite to sanctuary: The sacred mountain of Mamelodi restored

Before Ephraim Cebisa Mabena embarked on his mission, the area had become an illegal dumpsite, a cesspool of murder and rape, a chop-shop for stolen cars and a hideaway for drug…

Revitalising communities through urban green zones – the key principles of transformation

Collaborative efforts enhance sustainability, impact and long-term viability, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and investment in community development

Protestors  at the Waterfront waiting the arrival of  the  ship Amazon Warrior. They are against the planned Shell seismic survey for oil and gas in the ocean on November 21, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa.  It is reported that Shell has announced that it will carry out a three-dimensional seismic survey in search of oil and gas deposits from Morgan Bay to Port St Johns off the Wild Coast. (Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

West Coast fishers hail court victory halting seismic survey

The Legal Resources Centre hails court order as stunning victory for indigenous communities along the coast

Determined: Climate change demonstrators from the environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion protest in central London, promising two weeks of disruption. (Tolga Akmen/AFP)

Global leaders must implement their climate commitments

As the just transition gathers momentum and renewable energy becomes more affordable, countries around the world taking climate action. South Africa must follow suit

Natural gifts: Buchu or Agathosma
betulina has been popular in
teas and perfumes internationally
ever since it was introduced to Cape settlers. (Photo by David Cheskin – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

Study on rats finds buchu can help with obesity, diabetes and other ailments

Stellenbosch researcher believes clinical trials on humans will show promising results

En garde! Paris Saint-Germain’s forward, Kylian Mbappé, has a certain style, and has the makings of a ruthless Messi or Ronaldo. (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)

All the knowledge we do not know yet

"Recovering ancient hidden knowledges, as long as we are responsible with them, is important considering how many ills there are in our society."

Planting thought: Swiss artist Uriel Orlow questions the naming of plants which, despite being indigenous to South Africa, have European monikers. His exhibition uses film, sound, photography and video installation to explore this colonial phenomenon

The art of naming things that already have names

​A vast collaborative project staged over three cities confronts the colonisation of plants

Indigenous knowledge system stakeholders from across the country participated in a knowledge sharing forum held at Freedom Park

Protecting and preserving indigenous knowledge

The benefits of cumulative innovation associated with indigenous knowledge must accrue to its holders

Calling for change: Attempting to classify science as  ‘colonial’ or  ‘traditional’ detracts from its purpose — namely the acquistion of knowledge

​Integrate science, don’t segregate it

Incorporating the best of Western and indigenous knowledge is a better approach for universities.

Small family-run farms can help the African economy grow.

African farmers should think local

Thinking and growing local would create opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop and promote nutritious indigenous vegetables, argues Esther Ngumbi.

Scientists in China have identified a complex sugar in the Hoodia gordonii plant that is a suitable candidate for further studies into its potential weight-loss properties.

New study offsets toxic findings

Intellectual property fights aside, new research into the plant Hoodia gordonii highlights the dangers of misusing indigenous knowledge.

Inside Africa’s search for meaning

A new book examines the notion of a creative third space between Eurocentric and Afrocentric knowledges.

Lucky Tsumbudzi

A new take on the cultural village

Ideas of unchanging difference get a kick in the pants from the Sibikwa Arts Indigenous Orchestra, who will perform at the National Arts Festival.

Research goes back to our roots

Research goes back to our roots

Walter Sisulu University academics hone in on indigenous knowledge.