“VUT’s Technology Transfer Office hosted a workshop on protecting and commercialising Indigenous Knowledge Systems, empowering traditional healers and innovators through IP awareness.”
25 November 2025 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology’s Technology Transfer Office, in partnership with ENet Health, hosted a significant workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) protection and the commercialisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) products on 18 November 2025 at the VUT Science Park in Sebokeng. The session gathered traditional healers, innovators, and custodians of indigenous wisdom to explore how South Africa can better preserve, protect, and commercialise its rich medicinal heritage.
Mr Maemo Kobe, Acting Executive Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation, opened the workshop with a powerful reminder of the urgency to safeguard indigenous knowledge. He noted that traditional healers carry centuries of medicinal insight, yet their remedies are too often repackaged, monetised, and circulated elsewhere without acknowledgement or economic benefit. Protecting this knowledge, he emphasised, is both a moral obligation and a strategic imperative for future generations.
Discussions throughout the session centred on the IKS value chain and the ethical responsibility to honour knowledge holders. Mr Thabo Kgole, VUT’s Manager for Intellectual Property, reiterated the need for stronger protection mechanisms to ensure that traditional healers are not exploited. Participants reflected on how indigenous knowledge can be conserved while generating value, the importance of informed consent from knowledge custodians, and the potential integration of traditional practices into broader healthcare frameworks. Commercialisation pathways were unpacked, including responsible monetisation, licensing, supporting small enterprises, and ensuring authenticity and rightful ownership in product development.
A key highlight of the day was a presentation by Ms Nondiphiwe Qangule from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). She outlined the funding opportunities available for IKS-
driven innovations, explaining how TIA supports universities, science councils, SMMEs, industry partners, and community innovators through research support, prototype development, incubation, early-stage validation, and commercialisation aligned to technology readiness levels.
The workshop concluded with a collective resolve to advance the protection and responsible use of indigenous knowledge. Through stronger IP frameworks, meaningful partnerships such as the collaboration between TTO and ENet Health, and accessible innovation funding, South Africa can ensure that traditional healers and knowledge custodians are recognised, empowered, and fully included in both local and global health innovation landscapes