AS the sun dips behind the majestic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, a quiet village in the heart of rural South Africa comes alive with the whispers of an ancient debate. The Drakensberg Mountains are located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, though they also extend into the Eastern Cape province. For generations, the people of this land have nurtured a deep connection to the rich tapestry of life that surrounds them — from the towering baobab trees to the vibrant diversity of medicinal plants.
In the shadows of this modern-day gold, diamond and lithium rush, a complex and often acrimonious struggle has emerged, pitting local communities against powerful interests that seek to exploit their traditional knowledge and natural wealth.
While the promise of new medical breakthroughs and economic opportunities is alluring, the lack of effective regulation and the unequal distribution of benefits have left many feeling betrayed and powerless. This story delves into the heart of this critical issue, giving voice to the concerns of national and regional development experts, government officials, and the indigenous communities who are fighting to reclaim control over their rightful inheritance. From the sprawling savannas of Namibia to the lush forests of Mozambique, this in-depth feature story will uncover the intricate web of power, knowledge and justice that lies at the core of the battle for southern Africa’s genetic wealth.
The lush landscapes of southern Africa harbour a staggering array of life — from the towering baobab trees to the majestic elephants that roam the savannas. However, as the region’s genetic resources become a valuable commodity, local communities are increasingly finding themselves on the losing end of a high-stakes battle for control.
“We have watched as our traditional medicines and cultural heritage have been taken, studied and patented without our knowledge or fair compensation,” lamented Thando Mbatha, a community leader from the KwaZulu-Natal province, in a recent meeting. “This is not sustainable development — it is a new form of colonialism, where our very essence is being extracted and commodified,” he asserted.
“The biodiversity of southern Africa is a treasure trove, not just for scientific advancement, but for the livelihoods and cultural identity of indigenous communities,” explained Esther Nkosi, a regional development expert, in a recent conference. “Yet, the lack of effective and enforceable regulation in the fields of genetic technology and intellectual property law has made the region vulnerable to exploitation,” she asserts.
However, the results have been far from satisfactory. “We want to be partners in this process, not mere bystanders,” said Sipho Mthembu, a traditional healer from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in a recent interview.
“Our IKSs have sustained these resources for centuries, and we deserve a fair share of the benefits when they are commercialised,” she noted. Government officials across the region acknowledge the challenges in crafting effective regulatory policy frameworks to protect indigenous rights and resources. “It’s a delicate balance,” said Tatenda Mutasa, a senior official in Zimbabwe’s Environment, Climate and Wildlife ministry, in a recent paper on understanding regulatory policy frameworks across regions.
One particularly famous and contentious case involved the patenting of a plant-based compound found in the Hoodia cactus, traditionally used by the San people of southern Africa to suppress hunger and thirst.
“That case highlighted the urgent need for stronger legal policy frameworks and benefit-sharing mechanisms,” said Mutasa.
