The role of indigenous knowledge in promoting peace and social solidarity among local communities in South Africa

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) has always been constructed in such a way that it promotes peace and social solidarity. However, the indigenous systems that promoted conflict resolution among communities were disrupted and corrupted by colonial governments. Colonisation robbed indigenous communities not only of their basis upon which they identified and defined themselves but also of their ability to promote social solidarity and peace. Conflicts among communities are inevitable, whether they are influenced by politics, religion and even families. This paper applies a qualitative document analysis (QDA) in order to assess the role of IK in promoting peace and social solidarity among local communities in South Africa. The findings of the paper reflects that within indigenous communities, an individual cannot exist in isolation, hence, peace is the tie that binds them together through social solidarity in which they recognize each other as fellow human beings. There are also principles and values embedded in (IK) which promotes communalism, peace, solidarity and unity which are shared orally from one individual to another. This paper concludes that although there is a momentum in the documentation of IK, the orality of the knowledge still plays a significant role. The extend at which indigenous knowledges informs peace and social solidarity cannot be overlooked. Indigenous knowledge informs the systems and structures that promote solidarity and peace in communities, and it needs to be recognised, promoted and applied.