© Victor Makashi, Department of Arts and Culture, Zambia, 2017

A recent survey of universities in Southern Africa acknowledged that a diversity of disciplines are integrating intangible cultural heritage including culture, heritage, archaeology, tourism, history, indigenous knowledge systems, theatre and African languages.

Results of the survey were shared as part of an information session on higher education networking on 29 November at the thirteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Herbert Chimhundu and Jabob Mapara from the Southern African Intangible Cultural Heritage Cooperation Platform, and Deirdre Prins-Solani co-presented the Survey on intangible cultural heritage in Southern African universities.

They explained that survey respondents expressed interest in forming a potential future network of higher education institutions in the region on intangible cultural heritage.

Participants at the event highlighted the important role of universities in building capacity for future administrators and decision-makers in the field of intangible cultural heritage. They also acknowledged the potential of ICH for research and teaching, highlighting that it is essential to work closely with communities due to their primary role as stewards of their ICH. For more information, visit our page on global tertiary education networking.