An Ubuntu Perspective on Community Engagement in Indigenous Knowledge Systems Research: Insights from South Africa

Background Community engagement is widely recognised in research, yet in many African contexts, it remains procedural rather than meaningful, highlighting the need for approaches that foster genuine relationships. This is especially evident in indigenous knowledge systems research, where communities are often treated as sources of data instead of as partners. Such approaches can reinforce power imbalances and weaken trust. Ubuntu grounded in relationality, reciprocity, mutual respect and collective responsibility offers a cultural rooted lens for creative community engagement. This paper explores how Ubuntu can strengthen community engagement in indigenous Knowledge System research. Methods A conceptual research design was adopted, drawing on literature from Ubuntu philosophy, community engagement in research and indigenous knowledge Systems. Literature was drawn primary from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SABINET, covering 2015–2026. An initial search of 10 200 studies was identified, with 10 studies returned for inclusion based on their relevance to the study. A thematic synthesis was undertaken to identify recurring principles, point of convergence and relationship across the literature. These concepts were integrated to develop a conceptual framework positioning Ubuntu as a guiding lens for meaningful community engagement. Results The conceptual synthesis indicates that Ubuntu provides an ethical and relational foundation for research. Its principles of respect, reciprocity, relationality and relational accountability support the co-creation of knowledge, shared decision-making, and sustained engagement. The framework highlights practical strategies such as early stakeholder involvement, collaboration with traditional leaders, knowledge holders, use of local languages, shared decision-making and community-centred dissemination. Discussion Ubuntu challenges extractive researcher-community relationships by emphasising mutual benefit, collective responsibility and respect for indigenous knowledge. Its application can contribute to more equitable and culturally responsive knowledge generation while supporting broader efforts to decolonise research and centre Afrocentric vales and lived realities. Conclusion Ubuntu provides a promising culturally grounded framework for strengthening meaningful community engagement in Indigenous Knowledge Systems research. By positioning communities as co-researcher and knowledge partners, it can shift engagement from procedural compliance towards relational practice. As a conceptual framework, it provides a foundation for empirical testing and practical application across diverse African research contexts.