Bridging Heritage and Enterprise to Address Socio-Economic Issues: A Policy Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge System Businesses in South Africa

Abstract

This research examines the role of government policies in supporting the establishment and growth of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South Africa. It evaluates key legislative frameworks, such as the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Policy (2004) and the Protection, Promotion, Development, and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act (2019), and provincial programs aimed at fostering IKS enterprises. The study also examines the effectiveness of these policies in promoting entrepreneurship, safeguarding Indigenous knowledge, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing. It also examines the impact of these policies on marginalized communities, particularly in rural areas. The research also highlights the need for more inclusive, adaptive, and context-specific policies that integrate Indigenous knowledge into mainstream economic frameworks. The study advocates for policies that promote IKS businesses and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and culturally rich South Africa.