Accordingly, knowledge is viewed as being owned by the local community in whose customs, practices and traditions it is embedded. Such knowledge is often, however, spread across political boundaries because of Africa's colonial history. The indigenous knowledge debate is reaching prominence in South Africa. An important factor is the re-emergence of marginalised indigenous populations who are claiming back the land with its natural resources. These communities are currently building and improving on their African cultural, technological, artistic, linguistic and traditional healing heritage.
Indigenous knowledge has the potential to create wealth in local communities.
This requires a re-focusing of existing activities, especially at local government level, and necessitates that civil society be substantively and consistently represented and consulted in the identification and definition of Indigenous Knowledge in South Africa. Indigenous Knowledge Systems encompass a broad range of activities and practices. Apart from elements of the traditional artistic heritage such as stone and wooden artefacts, weaving, musical instruments, beadwork, and architectural forms, it includes fermentation techniques, food processing and medicinal plants. Here, the issue of bio-diversity assumes central importance. The question of the protection of such knowledge from exploitation now becomes a central concern.