Interfacing IK with other knowledges in the knowledge economy: A case of blending modern knowledge and ancestral wisdom in the South African 'knowledge society'

Abstract

Although indigenous knowledge (IK) is significant to the development of South African indigenous peoples the preservation of its societal memory is fast disappearing. In the emerging global knowledge economy, prominence is given to the 'knowledge society' that promotes universal approaches to knowledge production and understanding. A voluminous body of literature has emerged which asserts that indigenous knowledge cannot be verified by scientific epistemologies nor that science could be adequately assessed according to the tenets of indigenous knowledge systems. This body of literature reports that most of these traditional knowledge systems are not documented. Consequently, the indigenous peoples of South Africa have ab;;~ndoned their traditional ways of doing things or, alternately, are seeking to rediscover ancient wisdoms as foundations for p;;~th;vays to the future. This article explores the South African indigenous peoples' worldview and the beliefs they hold in their attempt to survive in the 21" century. It also provides a perspective on how indigenous knowledge can be preserved and transferred orally and examines its interaction with social capital for the purposes of community development. The argument presented in this article is that indigenous knowledge is often reflected in the belief systems of the community.