Conservation of indigenous knowledge

In this thesis the extent of indigenous knowledge (IK) conservation at cultural villages in South Africa was investigated. A literature review was conducted to define IK clearly, also in terms of indigenous peoples, and to determine which cultural villages representing the South African population groups are eligible to be included in this research. A classification of IK was done and this classification was integrated with the activities that were identified at cultural villages. The debate on cultural villages was discussed, including their advantages, disadvantages, environmental and socio-economic impact, and threats were pointed out. All the cultural villages that were operational at the time of the research were identified and spatially presented. A census of all the cultural villages in South Africa was conducted by using the telephonic interview surveying technique. Aspects such as the cultural grouping representation of cultural villages in South Africa, years of operation, busiest times and target markets, activities offered and participated in, employment statistics and ownership were pointed out. From the results of this survey some significant trends could be identified, especially relating to the type of ownership of the cultural villages and the target market that they serve. The results from the telephonic survey were used to aid in the selection of six case studies, which were visited. Some principles of a knowledge audit were used to determine the extent of indigenous knowledge conservation at cultural villages. Questionnaires were developed that were used during interviews with a sample group of the employees as well as the visitors at the cultural villages. The results of these questionnaires were analysed and reported on. The extent of knowledge transfer from employees to visitors was tested from both the visitors’ side and the employees’ side. A comparative study between the six cultural villages followed, in which the extent of IK conservation at cultural villages could be determined. A number of statistical tests were conducted to determine whether there were significant trends in opinions expressed by both employees and visitors and various criteria that were selected. Best practices of the six case studies were also pointed out, along with recommendations that could improve the conservation of IK at cultural villages.Prof. A.S.A. du Toi