The Commercialization and Intellectual Property Protection of Indigenous Knowledge: A Look Into Ndebele Artefacts Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Ndebele women have been creating murals and beading as a part of their cultural identity for decades and they have passed this expertise down to next generation. To create sustainable livelihoods, they have been traveling the world to showcase their skills and sell crafts to businesses and tourists. However, an existing challenge today is that most entrepreneurs are exploited of their knowledge due to lack of education on policies and poor government outreach initiatives on protection of Indigenous Knowledge (IK). Therefore, it is critical that IK entrepreneurs comprehend their rights and financial power over their expertise with government assistance. This study, which employed qualitative methods, was carried out in the KwaMhlanga area in Mpumalanga province, with Ndebele women who are artefacts entrepreneurs. It sought to examine existing IK policies that these entrepreneurs can use to protect their artefacts. The study also discussed government initiatives that guarantee entrepreneurs recognize their sovereignty over their expertise and receive a fair economic share.