The National Heritage Council of South Africa, at its Board meeting of 27 July 2017 held in Pretoria, expressed its concern about the disregard for historic and heritage intellectual property of indigenous people.

The recent commercialisation of the Seanamarena (Basotho traditional blanket) by the multinational Louis Vuitton fashion brand is a slap in the face of African culture. The lack of consultation and at least a gesture of recognition undermines not only the people but the country and its ability to protect its people’s indigenous knowledge.

The publication of controversial book titled “Mandela’s Last Years”, by Lieutenant-General Vejaynand Indurjith Ramlakan, who was the head of Nelson Mandela’s medical team for almost ten years. This book discloses information that is private and regarded as unethical conduct by Dr. Ramlakan.

“The NHC, as mandated by its Act 11 of 1999 to advice on policy, will seek intervention by the Department of Arts and Culture with a recommendation to introduce regulations that will protect the intellectual property of indigenous knowledge and Icons. This could include the establishment of a body that will implement such a regulation. The exploitation of cultural knowledge for commercial gain without regard for the custodians should be stopped in its tracks by strengthening the existing legislation on Copyright and Intellectual Property which has not been effective in many instances where indigenous knowledge is at the centre” says Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa, the Chief Executive of the NHC.

The NHC also intends to engage with the management of Louis Vuitton on the dissatisfaction of their commercial conduct.