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The National Indigenous Knowledge Management System

The National IK Registration System formerly known as the National Recordal System and the National IK Management System (NIKMAS), represents an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) platform for the management of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as governed by the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act No 6 of 2019. The IK Registration System is the technology platform that is connected to IKS Documentation Centres that support communities to record their indigenous knowledge. The IK information accessed and published through the national IK Registration System has ownership vested in communities. Accessing these through the IK Registration System requires permission and authorisation. Click here for more information

Future systems that will be available via the NIKSO Portal include the IK Register of Designations.

Highlights

Summary



*IKSDC - Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centre

Full Details


NIKMAS Fast Facts

Operations provided by NIKMAS are as follows:


Explore indigenous knowledge (IK)
  • African Traditional Medicine
  • Food Security


Pharmacopoeia

The Pharmacopoeia is a prior art database which holds information on the use, quality, efficacy and safety of traditional African medicines in South Africa. The database draws on published resources on plants, its botanical distribution and its uses for medicinal purposes, which are digitised to provide information, cross-referencing and research outputs for use by researchers, community members, traditional healers and a wide range of global users. This database is not intended for medical or health advice and may not be used as a substitute for professional consultation from experts. Click here for more information

Featured Plant

Heteropyxis natalensis Harvey

This is a medium to large deciduous tree that grows to about 10 metres high. The lavender tree has drooping foliage. The leaves are narrowly elliptic and are arranged spirally. They are shiny dark green above and paler green below, slightly hairy to hairless when mature. When crushed they produce a strong lavender scent. The leaf petiole is slender and pink over the lower half. The main stem is crooked and sometimes fluted. The bark is distinctively pale grey, often almost white and is flaking on the old stem. The flowers, which are yellowish green, appear in summer (December - March). They are very small, about 3 mm in diameter, and are borne in branched terminal clusters. They are sweetly scented. The fruit is a small oval capsule that is up to 4 x 2.5 mm. It appears between March and May. Its colour is shiny brown and it bears numerous seeds. When ready, it splits into 2 to 3 valves releasing the seeds, after which the old capsules may remain on the tree for months. The wood is hard, very fine grained and is pale pinkish brown in colour. It is suitable for use as fencing posts and charcoal. Leaves are used in herbal tea and potpourri and to scent tobacco. 1
References:
1 South African National Biodiversity Institute. (2002). Heteropyxis natalensis Harvey.

Operations provided by Pharmacopoeia are as follows:


Click here to visit Pharmacopoeia