The Minister of Science and Technology intends introducing the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Bill, 2015 into Parliament during the 2016 calendar year. The TK Bill aims to provide for:
- the protection, promotion, development and management of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- the establishment and functions of the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office
- the managements of rights of IK holders
- the establishment and functions of an Advisory Panel
- for access and conditions of access to knowledge of indigenous communities
- for the registration, accreditation and certification of IK practitioners
- the facilitation of IK based innovation

Afro-IP will be following the progression of this legislation with interest. One thing for sure is that if you are using any traditional knowledge in your business, including traditional or cultural expressions, you need to stay up to date because the legislation will affect your business.