From 28 October to 1 November 2024 the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with the North-West University, will host the Recognition of Prior Learning Conference in uLundi, KwaZulu-Natal. The conference aims to finalise the development of norms and standards for six indigenous knowledge disciplines.

The proposed norms and standards within the traditional healing sector have been piloted in other provinces such as Limpopo and North-West. Following on this success, the DSTI is expanding its commitment and will focus on developing national frameworks for six disciplines – consolidation of the three provincial norms and standards framework for THP’s into a national framework, traditional Khoi and San Leadership institutions, cosmology and astronomy, hunting (fishing and habitat), animal husbandry and knowledge acquisition and transfer

Another key objective of the three-day conference is to recognise the competencies of indigenous knowledge practitioners across a broad spectrum of domains and design a recognition of prior learning system to best advance their skills and competency profiles. The objectives of this system would be to enable them to provide quality services to society, promote inclusion, and interface indigenous knowledge with knowledge systems in the country.

The theme of the conference is "The now and the future". It further supports the objectives of the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act, 2019.

Approximately 100 delegates, including representatives of traditional leadership, government departments, and institutions dedicated to promoting indigenous knowledge disciplines, are expected to attend.

The media are invited as follows:

Date:               28 October 2024

Time:              08:45 – 17:00

Venue:            eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park, uLundi, KwaZulu-Natal

For enquiries, please contact Julian Leshilo on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 060 961 2194 or Pontsho Mantlhakga at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 072 346 5219.