Alberton’s traditional health practitioner and indigenous knowledge researcher, Katleho Mosese, recently received platinum recognition at the 8th African Traditional Medicine and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (ATM/IKS) Honorary Awards.

Mosese, founder of The Kitchen Alchemist, was recognised for her contribution to African traditional medicine, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, science and innovation at the awards hosted by eNet Health South Africa Official NPC in Sebokeng.

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Recipients were recognised at silver, gold and platinum levels, with eNet Health describing Platinum as recognition for exceptional service, leadership and legacy.

Due to a death in her family, she was unable to attend the awards ceremony. Despite missing the ceremony, Mosese said she was grateful for the recognition and the support she received throughout the nomination and voting process.

“I’m incredibly grateful. From the nomination and voting to receiving platinum, people really showed up for The Kitchen Alchemist and believed in what I was building,” Mosese said.

For Mosese, eNet Health’s work extends beyond the awards.

The organisation is involved in African traditional medicine, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, community health and health education, bringing practitioners, communities and other health stakeholders together.

“Recognition matters, but the importance of what eNet Health is doing goes beyond an award. It gives people working in traditional medicine and Indigenous Knowledge Systems a platform, while opening up important discussions about health, research and where this knowledge goes next,” said Mosese.

The Kitchen Alchemist is a digital education platform focused on African medicinal plants, their traditional uses and the knowledge surrounding them.

Mosese also examines available scientific literature, including what is known about the plants’ compounds, uses, safety and toxicity.

The platform has now grown to more than 49,000 followers on TikTok.

@the.kitchen.alche2

“I think the growth shows that people genuinely want to learn about this part of our heritage. There’s curiosity about plants our families and communities have known and used for generations, but people also want to understand what research says and be able to ask questions,” said Mosese.

For Mosese, documenting traditional knowledge and questioning it can exist side by side.

“If there is evidence, we should be able to talk about it. If there are risks, we should talk about those too. And if research hasn’t answered something yet, we should be comfortable saying that more work needs to be done,” said Mosese.

Mosese’s belief that knowledge should be useful to others began long before The Kitchen Alchemist.
Mosese also expressed her appreciation to the people who have supported The Kitchen Alchemist and contributed to its growth.

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“I thank my family, my close friends and every person who has watched, shared, asked questions, voted or encouraged the work in any way. The Kitchen Alchemist would not be what it is without that support, and I’m deeply grateful,” said Mosese.

For Mosese, the legacy recognised through the Platinum award is ultimately about what is passed on from one generation to another.

“Indigenous knowledge survives because people pass it on. I inherited a love of service from watching my mother, and I’ve inherited knowledge from people and generations who came before me. For me, legacy is about what you do with what you have been given. The work now is to keep documenting, learning and sharing responsibly so that what we inherited remains useful and available to the generations coming after us,” said Mosese.

The Kitchen Alchemist can be found on TikTok at @the.kitchen.alche2.