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As Walter Sisulu University rebrands as an African university, a team of researchers from the Anthropology Department and Chemistry Department recently unveiled an Indigenous Knowledge Systems exhibition stand at the Cofimvaba Science Centre.
WSU displayed extensive areas of knowledge which ranged from traditional medicine incorporated in modern medicines, significant isiXhosa traditional beads, to natural remedies which exclusively exist in the Eastern Cape.
“Visitors were so excited about our stand, particularly the Department of Education, because the stand showcases an infusion of Afrocentric knowledge and Science, which is very important” said Anthropology academic, Dr Kholekile Ngqila.
According to Ngqila, the vision for the WSU exhibition stand was to highlight the significance of traditional medicines in the advancement of sciences, while educating the community about the traditional Xhosa ways.
“One of the most notable items we are showcasing today is ‘isidanga’ which is usually bestowed upon males who have been tasked with bringing back (fetching) spirits of loved ones.” she said.
Isidanga is a large necklace consisting of many strings of blue beads, worn by either the leader of a household, a ritual/ceremonial minister and/or a leader of a clan.
“We are also flagging a ‘Faskoti’ for the waist and the other for the breasts, which are typically used by females to look beautiful.”
In addition to these items is Prof Adebola Oyedeji’s two different herbal teas, Creation Nervine Tea and Creation Arthritis Tea, which are remedies infused with traditional medicinal plants, used to relieve arthritis and can be used for the treatment of mental disorders.
“We also included ‘Isinuka’ (sacred waters found in Port St John’s) as part of our exhibition. This is because as a university that prides itself in community engagement, we have spent a lot of time trying to studying these waters, their effects healing powers.
The science centre is a result of a partnership between Technology for Rural Education and Development (Tech4RED) project, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.
Ngqila said, “It brings me great joy to see that people could be so impressed and excited to see a showcase of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. It brings me more joy that as a university we have pride ourselves in keeping traditions of the province alive by educating students and the community about these amazing technologies that exist in the Eastern Cape.”
Certified as South Africa's first state-of-the-art center designed with green technologies, the center was unveiled by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, who named it after struggle icon Mama Albertina Sisulu.
-Ongezwa Sigodi
