Indigenous Games provides a window for the expression and showcasing of African values and talent. Although there is cultural diversity in Africa, African people do share some general common values and have faced some similar struggles in life.
Despite the fact that global influences have had a marked effect on the identity of African culture efforts are continuously being made to guard against the erosion and adaptation of African heritage as exhibited by Indigenous Games.
Participation in Indigenous Games emphasises physical development, skill training and maintenance, reinforcement of the community’s values and interaction between communities.
The challenge is to trace and bring this rich indigenous heritage to life for everybody to share and actively join in games like Iintonga, Morabaraba, Jukskei, Dibeke, Ncuva, Khokho, Diketo, Kgati and Drie Stokkies. The games were neglected in historical and anthropological accounts of the indigenous people of South Africa.
The rebirth of Indigenous Games in 2005 was launched in the Free State at Basotho Cultural Village by the then Minister of Sport, Mr Ngconde Balfour.
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation will host the 2011 Provincial Indigenous Games as follows:
Date: 12 November 2011
Time: 9h00
Venue: Bohlokong Stadium (Bethlehem)
The build-up towards the provincial event rolled out as follows in the 5 Districts and Metro:
- Thabo Mofutsanyana District, 23 July 2011 in Ficksburg
- Xhariep District, 13 August 2011 in Zastron
- Mangaung Metro, 13 August 2011 in Thaba Nchu
- Fezile Dabi District, 20 August 2011 in Tweeling
- Lejweleputswa District, 20 August 2011 in Welkom
Through the Indigenous Games programme the Department strives to achieve the following:
- popularise the games
- promote active and healthy lifestyles
- discourage unwanted social behaviour by keeping the youth engaged in the games
- campaign for the recognition of the games as part of international festivals and sporting events.
A provincial team will be selected at this event to represent the Free State at the National Indigenous Games Festival in Tshwane.
Media Enquiries:
Tankiso Zola
Tel: 051 410 4742/4786/4719
Cell: 082 940 2392
General Enquiries
Mamoruti Monama
Tel: 051 407 3500
Cell: 079 881 9551
