The City of Tshwane will be hosting the popular National Indigenous Games Festival which is annually organised by the national Sport and Recreation Department.
The event which will be held at the Tshwane Events Centre from Friday, 23 March to Sunday, 25 March will be officially opened by Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula on Friday evening.
Seven provincial teams will be competing in eight indigenous games codes, including jukskei, morabaraba, diketo, intonga, khokho and others.
It is expected to be a fun-filled weekend for the whole family and entry is free.
The Indigenous Games which focus on cultural diversity were first launched in September 2003 at the Basotho Cultural Village in the Free State with the aim of promoting and preserving the national heritage and history of the people of South Africa.
About 1 000 participants are expected and the City of Tshwane will use the opportunity to promote the City as the sporting and cultural capital of South Africa.
The event will be divided into three phases:
- March 23: A parade to mark the official opening of the games will start at 18:00 followed by a welcome address by The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Cllr Kgosientso Ramokgopa and a key note address by Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula.
- March 24: Start of games and carnival activities at 08:30.
- March 25: Continuation of games from 08:30 and a closing ceremony in the afternoon.
There will be cultural performances by various well established and emerging artists to entertain the public. There will also be a soccer skills display by local soccer players.
