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A New Era of Entrepreneurship: The Transformative Potential of African Traditional Medicine

Received: 31 May 2023    Accepted: 15 June 2023    Published: 27 June 2023
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Abstract

Empirical evidence and extensive literature reviews have confirmed the dire state of South Africa's economy, which is characterized by high unemployment rates and economic inactivity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest have only exacerbated the situation, leading to the closure of several businesses. However, amidst this economic turmoil lies a dormant wealth of unique indigenous knowledge that can be harnessed to empower indigenous communities and promote self-sustainability. In this paper, the researchers propose the use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to effectively empower indigenous communities. By focusing on the abundant medicinal plants, numerous entrepreneurial opportunities can be created. Indigenous Knowledge and communal land are often the assets that indigenous communities have access to and control, making them familiar with their use. It is crucial to recognize the potential of indigenous knowledge in promoting economic growth and self-sustainability. By leveraging this knowledge, South Africa can create a more equitable and inclusive economy that benefits all members of society. Therefore, the research aims to shed light on the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge and provide practical recommendations for its implementation. The paper is grounded in the Sankofa theory, which emphasizes the importance of looking back to move forward.

Published in Social Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18
Page(s) 135-142
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Traditional Medicine, Entrepreneurship, Health

References
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Ndwamato Walter Tshamano, Mawere Joshua, Mawere Nyasha Terry, Kugara Stewart Lee. (2023). A New Era of Entrepreneurship: The Transformative Potential of African Traditional Medicine. Social Sciences, 12(3), 135-142. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18

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    ACS Style

    Ndwamato Walter Tshamano; Mawere Joshua; Mawere Nyasha Terry; Kugara Stewart Lee. A New Era of Entrepreneurship: The Transformative Potential of African Traditional Medicine. Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(3), 135-142. doi: 10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18

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    AMA Style

    Ndwamato Walter Tshamano, Mawere Joshua, Mawere Nyasha Terry, Kugara Stewart Lee. A New Era of Entrepreneurship: The Transformative Potential of African Traditional Medicine. Soc Sci. 2023;12(3):135-142. doi: 10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18,
      author = {Ndwamato Walter Tshamano and Mawere Joshua and Mawere Nyasha Terry and Kugara Stewart Lee},
      title = {A New Era of Entrepreneurship: The Transformative Potential of African Traditional Medicine},
      journal = {Social Sciences},
      volume = {12},
      number = {3},
      pages = {135-142},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ss.20231203.18},
      abstract = {Empirical evidence and extensive literature reviews have confirmed the dire state of South Africa's economy, which is characterized by high unemployment rates and economic inactivity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest have only exacerbated the situation, leading to the closure of several businesses. However, amidst this economic turmoil lies a dormant wealth of unique indigenous knowledge that can be harnessed to empower indigenous communities and promote self-sustainability. In this paper, the researchers propose the use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to effectively empower indigenous communities. By focusing on the abundant medicinal plants, numerous entrepreneurial opportunities can be created. Indigenous Knowledge and communal land are often the assets that indigenous communities have access to and control, making them familiar with their use. It is crucial to recognize the potential of indigenous knowledge in promoting economic growth and self-sustainability. By leveraging this knowledge, South Africa can create a more equitable and inclusive economy that benefits all members of society. Therefore, the research aims to shed light on the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge and provide practical recommendations for its implementation. The paper is grounded in the Sankofa theory, which emphasizes the importance of looking back to move forward.},
     year = {2023}
    }
    

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    AU  - Mawere Joshua
    AU  - Mawere Nyasha Terry
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    Y1  - 2023/06/27
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    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20231203.18
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    AB  - Empirical evidence and extensive literature reviews have confirmed the dire state of South Africa's economy, which is characterized by high unemployment rates and economic inactivity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest have only exacerbated the situation, leading to the closure of several businesses. However, amidst this economic turmoil lies a dormant wealth of unique indigenous knowledge that can be harnessed to empower indigenous communities and promote self-sustainability. In this paper, the researchers propose the use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to effectively empower indigenous communities. By focusing on the abundant medicinal plants, numerous entrepreneurial opportunities can be created. Indigenous Knowledge and communal land are often the assets that indigenous communities have access to and control, making them familiar with their use. It is crucial to recognize the potential of indigenous knowledge in promoting economic growth and self-sustainability. By leveraging this knowledge, South Africa can create a more equitable and inclusive economy that benefits all members of society. Therefore, the research aims to shed light on the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge and provide practical recommendations for its implementation. The paper is grounded in the Sankofa theory, which emphasizes the importance of looking back to move forward.
    VL  - 12
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Author Information
  • Faculty of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology, Polokwane, South Africa

  • Faculty of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology, Polokwane, South Africa

  • Faculty of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology, Polokwane, South Africa

  • Faculty of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology, Polokwane, South Africa

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