September 2006
31 August 2006
Government's goal of getting more South Africans, more active and more often
are becoming a reality. More importantly, the rejuvenation and introduction of
indigenous sporting activities are now an integral part in achieving these
goals.
Three years ago, government held the first National Indigenous Festival and
it is with excitement that the third National Indigenous Games will be held in
Mpumalanga.
All nine provinces with their strongest teams will converge in Badplaas
Aventura from 31 August to 3 September 2006 to compete in eight identified and
standardised games for purposes of promotion namely, Incuva, Kgathi,
Morabaraba, Diketo, Intonga, Dibeke, Juskei and Kho-Kho. The four-day festival
is expected to draw lots of sports enthusiasts around Mpumalanga and
surrounding provinces with 800 participants, including officials and coaches
from around the country.
Prior to a democratic dispensation, indigenous games were not fully
recognised on a representative level and therefore, the majority of African
communities played the games informally. Such festivals now represent an
opportunity to cultivate and revitalise these games to become part of the
mainstream recreational indigenous activities.
The objectives of the games, amongst others, are to celebrate and promote a
rich cultural diversity, promote reconciliation and nation building, and to
change the skewed heritage landscape of our country to promote cultural
tolerance.
This event is organised by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) in
conjunction with the Mpumalanga provincial Department of Sport and
Recreation.
There will be an opening ceremony on 31 August and closing ceremony on 3
September by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Rev Dr Makhenkesi Stofile.
The Honourable Premier Thabang Makwetla, MEC Nomsa Mtsweni and other
dignitaries will grace the event.
Enquires:
Ms Mmemme Esther Mogotsi
Cell: 072 856 4288
Issued by: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
31 August 2006
