22 August 2006
Governmentâs goal of getting more South Africans to be more active more
often is 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
the Mpumalanga province at Albert Luthuli Municipality in the Gert Sibande
District.
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,
expected to draw lots of sport enthusiast around Mpumalanga and surrounding
provinces, 585 players, 135 officials and coaches from around the country.
Prior to a democratic dispensation, indigenous games were not fully utilised
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.
âThe objectives of the games among others are to celebrate a rich cultural
diversity, promote cultural diversity, reconciliation and nation building and
to change the skewed heritage landscape of our country to promote cultural
tolerance,â says Ms Nomsa Mtsweni, MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation.
This event is organised in conjunction with the national Sport and
Recreation South Africa (SRSA).
There will be an opening ceremony on 31 August and closing ceremony 3
September by the Minister of Sport and Recreation Rev. Dr Makhenkesi Stofile.
The Hon Premier Thabang Makwetla, MEC Nomsa Mtsweni and other dignitaries will
grace the opening function.
Enquiries:
Sammy Mpatlanyane
Tel: (013) 766 5014
Cell: 082 923 0550
Sgananda Siboza
Tel: (013) 766 5084
Cell: 082 853 3811
Issued by: Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mpumalanga
Provincial Government
22 August 2006
