ADDRESS BY THE MEC FOR AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM, ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION – MR. DAWID ROOI: NORTHERN CAPE MEDICINAL AND INDIGENOUS PLANT WORKSHOP – 27 NOVEMBER 2003

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Programme Director

Forum Delegates

Distinguished Guests

The significance of today’s workshop is a fulfillment of a challenge that has troubled my mind for quite some time. My mere presence here makes me feel as if I am in communication with my ancestry. Hailing from an area where the medicinal value of plants is of profound importance (Kamiesberge of Namaqualand) gives me much pleasure in addressing this workshop.

This workshop serves to remind many a person of government’s perspective on the environment and communities. We refer to; Environmental Awareness and Justice, Promotion of Sustainable Use and Protection of Natural Resources. In creating a better life we shall also at the same time be protecting valuable ecosystems by safeguarding endangered and indigenous plant species. We will forever step up our efforts in “cultivating environmental activism for sustainable development.”

As a government of the people, it is our obligation to mobilize communities around royalties on indigenous medicinal plants. Half the battle would be won through scientific research and data-collection. It is the best effort we can undertake in our quest of remedying the ills perpetuated by the profiteers of Apartheid South Africa.

In identifying indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants, we shall forever pursue an agenda of benefit sharing and the appropriate reward thereof. Our heritage is defined in our traditions and customs that are a knowledge legacy of our ancestors. Ours is to reward them by eradicating the abject poverty that their offsprings are subjected too. The relationship between science and society must be advanced at all costs.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is for this reason that the Department of Science and Technology had created a Bill on Indigenous Knowledge and a range of practical measures to protect it. The landmark agreement of March this year between the Kgalagadi-San and the Centre for Science, Innovation and Research on appetizer P57-Hoodia has provided us with much needed hope. Other indigenous South African communities should use that case a stepping-stone.

Government’s role is to ready communities for prosperity through forums of this nature. Our creator provided us with massive arid patches that we have used and should use for our own survival. Let us conserve our endemic plants for they are a rare commodity of medicinal and cosmetic value. Our invitation to indigenous communities and traditional healers is of utmost importance in the establishment of records on endemic plants. It is only through a sustained partnership that we will succeed in eliminating bio-piracy through bio-prospecting.

I am also pleased to learn that traditional veterinary medicine will also come under discussion. This matter translates itself into alternatives that should be exploited by our emerging farmers.

In conclusion,

I would like to thank my Department’s officials for the efforts they have undertaken in organizing this forum. Your visionary work speaks into the fundamentals of a democratic society, a society where each an every citizen is afforded dignity for the use of his or her knowledge. To the experts that are to lead a range of topical issues, I thank you for making it your duty in enlightening us on the unknown.

May this forum be as vibrant as the theme for the day: “ Job creation and improved livelihoods through the utilization of indigenous plants.” Let us protect and celebrate our heritage.

I thank you;