Beyond the Extractive Paradigm: Appraising Indigenous Knowledge in South African Environmental Governance

This study provides a critical examination of the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into environmental governance (EG) in South Africa, emphasising both the potential benefits and the challenges posed by the existing extractive paradigm. This research uses postcolonial Indigenous theory and a qualitative narrative methodology to analyse the implications of relegating Indigenous people to peripheral roles within stakeholder frameworks. It critiques the reductionist approach that treats IKS as supplementary to contemporary governance structures, which often undermines the comprehensive contributions of Indigenous values, spirituality, and leadership to sustainability initiatives. Drawing comparative insights from Canada, this study contextualises the specific difficulties faced by South Africa in effectively incorporating IKS into EG frameworks. The key findings suggest that epistemic neo-colonialism and a narrowly utility-driven emphasis obstruct the meaningful integration of IKS, thereby marginalising its cultural and spiritual dimensions. Consequently, the study advocates for a holistic approach that prioritises Indigenous self-determination and recognises the intrinsic value of their knowledge systems. The conclusions emphasise the necessity for transformative policies that transcend tokenistic inclusion and enable IKS to authentically inform sustainable practices. This research contributes significantly by reframing IKS as a substantial framework for achieving ecological balance and intergenerational equity. It highlights practical implications for policy reform, particularly the need for governance models grounded in Indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu. Additionally, the study addresses social implications, including promoting cognitive justice and equitable participation in environmental decision-making processes. The limitations of this research include the narrow scope of case studies and the requirement for empirical data to supplement the theoretical analysis. Overall, this study enriches the discourse on decolonising environmental governance and underscores the importance of confronting structural barriers to the ethical and effective integration of IKS in South Africa and beyond.