As we forge service delivery mandate of government forward, knowing and upholding our holistic identity is of utmost importance. One such identity is recreation through indigenous games.
Leading this process on behalf of the North West Provincial Government, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will this Saturday, 6 August 2011, at Oppenheimer Stadium.
Matlosana host the provincial team selection to compete at the national event at the venue to be announced this year. The process started at all local municipalities through to district selections in all 9 indigenous games codes affording all members of the communities’ participation.
Indigenous games provide a window for African values and good morals for many participants resulting in a positive identity and personal growth. Although there is cultural diversity in Africa, African people do share some general values and have faced some similar struggles in life. This is evident as most of our IG ambassadors role model the games to many countries such as Korea and United States of America (USA). Global influences have made an effect on the erosion and adaptation of the games. The games were neglected in historical and anthropological accounts of the Indigenous people of South Africa.
Participation in indigenous games emphasises physical development, skills 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, Ugqaphu and Kgati.
"The objective of the Indigenous Games Festival is to celebrate our rich cultural heritage by bringing together all nine provinces to a central venue where cultural exchanges occur and people can have appreciation for our various traditions,” said MEC Hlomane Chauke.
North West province has been leading the pack since the first National Indigenous Games held in Oudtshoorn in 2003, except last year where we didn’t participate and will make sure this year to continue the trend.
The objective of the indigenous games is to:
- To provide sustainable mass participation opportunities across the age spectrum to promote physically active lifestyle
- The promotion of and revival of indigenous games in a true spirit of “African renaissance”, and in promoting heritage and Indigenous Knowledge systems
- Integration and partnership with relevant stakeholders in the local municipalities
- Successful selection of outstanding players from ward level up to district and including province per team compliment.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event that will take place as follows:
Time: 09h00Venue: Oppenheimer Stadium, Matlosana
Date: 6 August 2011
For more information on this project please contact:
Shirley Montsho
Tel: 018 388 2763
Cell: 082 345 9525
Source: North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
