Alberton resident Katleho Mosese has been nominated for the 8th ATM/IKS Honorary Awards, an annual event that recognises individuals advancing African Traditional Medicine and Indigenous Knowledge Systems across Gauteng.

Mosese was nominated by eNet Health South Africa NPC for her work through The Kitchen Alchemist, an educational platform she founded on February 21 this year. Since its launch, the platform has grown to more than 46 400 followers and has accumulated over 5.6 million views on TikTok.

@the.kitchen.alche2

The awards recognise individuals who are making a meaningful contribution to preserving indigenous knowledge, promoting community empowerment and advancing health and wellness.

According to eNet Health South Africa president Dr Lillian Molakeng Hlopho, the awards celebrate people whose work is transforming lives while preserving Indigenous Knowledge Systems for future generations.

Following nominations, candidates undergo an internal screening process before being evaluated by a panel against several criteria, including their impact within the health and wellness sector, innovation in applying Indigenous Knowledge Systems, community empowerment and leadership.

Members of the public were also invited to vote for their preferred nominees, with voting closing on June 30 ahead of the awards ceremony.

A BCom graduate, traditional healer and Indigenous Knowledge researcher, Mosese uses her platform to bridge the gap between formal botanical knowledge and the traditional medicinal uses of plants passed down through generations.

Through educational content, she highlights the healing properties, cultural significance and historical uses of indigenous plants while encouraging the preservation of this valuable knowledge.

She is also mindful of protecting sacred knowledge and therefore does not publish detailed preparation methods or complete medicinal formulations, instead encouraging people to consult trained practitioners for guidance.

“This nomination is humbling because it comes from people who understand what this work actually requires, the research, the care and the responsibility that comes with handling knowledge that isn’t mine alone to give away,” she said.

The winners of the 8th ATM/IKS Honorary Awards will be announced during a ceremony in the Vaal on August 8, where nominees from across Gauteng will be honoured for their contributions to African Traditional Medicine and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

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