From the Editor
Editor ’ s message
About SABI
Carol Posthumus
If you have ever visited the San medicinal garden at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden in Betty ’ s Bay or perhaps included buchu in your daily regime , you are probably aware of the wealth of herbal knowledge the San has had for centuries . A rich culture and history , sadly too often exploited
by “ researchers ” and others for commercial gain , as it is well-known .
Research – without proper ethics – can be diabolical to its subjects . What has been done in the name of research would be described by “ intellectual theft ” in many cases But because it is “ research ” somehow it has a veneer of academic respectability shrouding it . However , researchers without ethics are no better than common thieves and gangsters .
The golden rule as to ethics as is well-known is “ do to others as you would have them to do to you ”. One wonders how many researchers would host strange visitors from another continent in their own homes and share all their “ modern ” wealth , knowledge and social prestige to get their visitors to the next level of their businesses or careers . Not likely !
We were delighted to recently attend the launch of the San Code of Ethics at the Company Gardens in Cape Town , and the code is certainly big news . The Code of Ethics
San show the way with Ethics Code Stopping skelms
is impressive and requires Respect , Honesty , Justice & Fairness and Care from researchers . In a brochure detailing the San Code of Ethics , the San detail examples from their experiences that would have been counter to this code . For example , they say : “ We have encountered lack of respect in many instances in the past . In Genomics research , our leaders were avoided and respect was not shown to them . Researchers took photographs of individuals in their homes , of breastfeeding mothers or of underage children , whilst ignoring our social customs and norms . Bribes or other advantages were offered .”
Hopefully , the San Code of Ethics debut begins a new chapter for the San and researchers .
Do enjoy this issue , which features many interesting stories , ranging from features on Sustainability to the Extent of Irrigated Land to energy and flanges .
Cape Town-headquartered SABI ( South African Irrigation Institute ) aims to boost optimal irrigation methodologies , water conservation and sustainability . SABI promotes the sharing of irrigation knowledge via :
• SABI membership and branch activities
• SABI Congress , the bi-annual leading African irrigation event
• IrrigationWise Academy courses in agriculture and landscape , presented nationwide with courses from entry to an advanced technical level
• SABI magazine , the Institute ’ s official technical journal and the only irrigation magazine in South Africa .
People from the irrigation , water , agricultural , landscape and related disciplines join SABI as they believe that responsible irrigation water use can result in water savings , increased socio-economic benefits , healthier communities , enhanced agricultural production , sustainable and attactive environments and further benefits such as energy saving .
To advertise in SABI magazine , do a course or find out more about SABI membership or activities : visit : www . sabi . co . za , contact SABI on + 27 021 850 8220 or email info @ sabi . co . za
2
SABI | APRIL / MAY 2017