The University of Venda (Univen) Chancellor Kgalema Motlanthe conferred the new Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems degree to the first 24 students who graduated recently. The first 24 students graduated at the first session of the autumn graduation which took place at the University of Venda Auditorium on 16 May 2018.
As from 2014, the School of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Venda under the leadership of Prof. Mokgale Makgopa and the Head of Department of African Studies Dr. Pfarelo Matshidze started offering the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. It is the basis for local – level decision making for survival in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, conflict resolution, natural – resource management, and other activities in local communities. As part of the promotion of African Renaissance philosophy, the School of Human and Social Sciences at the University of Venda, in collaboration with the National Department of Science and Technology has registered a four (4) year inter – multi – disciplinary professional degree called the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (B.IKS) with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme is composed of fundamental, core and elective components. The fundamental and core components consist of course modules on the major concepts, philosophies, epistemology, discourses, worldview and research methodologies of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). The elective component includes IKS practical specialization options from third year level on: African Indigenous Science, Technology and Innovation Systems; African Indigenous Health Care Systems; African Indigenous Agricultural Systems and African Indigenous Arts and Culture.
L-R: Andani Edgar Budeli and Gugulethu Mkhabela
L-R: Lindelwa Nkosi (got her B. IKS in distinction) and Khuliso Ndou
The three gentlemen pose for a photo after graduation
Issued by:
Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525
Date: 23 May 2018
