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Stakeholders included representatives from the Senior Director of Missionvale, Bird Street and Second Avenue Campus Office, the Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Bay Traditional leaders, the Medical School Office and Nyangezezizwe Traditional Doctors.
The workshop aimed to support human health and strengthen collaboration between indigenous knowledge systems and academic research.
During the workshop, Engagement Director Dr Bruce Damons facilitated the discussions with stakeholder suggestions, such as improving the medicinal gardens and developing suitable spaces where medicinal plants can be grown and processed. The Rondawel on Missionvale Campus, where traditional healers and herbalists gather, should also be renovated to become a resource centre for the Medicinal Garden.
Stakeholders also proposed creating a designated space on campus where traditional healers could work with students and researchers.
Other concerns included financial considerations related to traditional consultation practices, as well as the importance of ensuring proper recognition and accreditation when traditional knowledge contributes to research outcomes.
The workshop marked the beginning of an ongoing collaboration to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific research for community health and development.