On behalf of Mfundisi, Rev Dr Stofile and SRSA I extend our appreciation to KwaZulu-Natal for hosting the National Indigenous Games during heritage month. I would also like to thank all the provincial Departments of Sport, Arts and Culture for delivering teams to this national festival to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that is key to building our nation.
SRSA has persevered in organising this annual event to provide an opportunity for our youth to display a spirit of national pride and cultural appreciation through sport. We see sport as a key driver in building social cohesion, and that of appreciating cultural diversity. The success of this event bears testimony to your commitment to nation building in a world whose stability is threatened by global economic recession, xenophobia and climate change.
Over the last few days global leaders have been in session in Copenhagen to deliberate on issues that threaten our existence. On international sports tracks and fields athletes and sporting greats gather to determine the world champions in selected codes of sport. In the midst of the global gloom where experts continue to seek solutions that would bring stability and growth to our lives, South Africa’s youth that are gathered here today are sending a message: This is that the strength of our society is in our history and our cultural heritage.
The solutions to our many challenges are woven into the fabric that knits our diverse cultures into a single nation.
As the national department responsible for sport and recreation in the country, we have since 2003, been coordinating efforts to promote reconciliation and nation building through the indigenous games. The support received from our provinces, four of which have already hosted these games, has contributed to a sustained and growing interest in promoting the games, which have been a key feature in bringing communities together throughout our country.
SRSA supports indigenous games within the mass participation programme. These games require little persuasion, equipment or facilities to get our nation to play. As a Department responsible for the promotion of Sport in South Africa, we have identified and recognised activities that are fun, sociable and passed on through generations as a contribution to the legacy of communities and our country.
We have also been successful in exporting South Africa’s indigenous games to the world, in our effort to develop international relations. In 2008 we sent a team to Busan, South Korea, to participate in the TAFISA (Trim and Fitness International Sport for All) festival where our participants effectively shared our culture with fellow citizens of the globe, thus contributing to the bond of friendship and solidarity between great nations.
There are codes of sport like long distance running, Taekwondo, Karate, and football that are indigenous to Greece, Korea, China, and England, respectively. These codes are now played internationally at competitive level. Your involvement in promoting South Africa’s indigenous games will also over time create a space for these games in the global sports arena. In this way, South Africa’s legacy will become a world legacy.
The event that SRSA and KwaZulu-Natal are staging this weekend, should be used as a model to showcase South Africa’s heritage in every Province, every municipality and every district throughout this country thus engendering a spirit of national pride and patriotism in our great country, South Africa.
I have no doubt that you will all enjoy the 2009 Indigenous Games Festival and that Fair Play will be the overall winner. In the true African spirit, I urge you to create friendships and to celebrate success with humility.
Once again, our appreciation goes to eThekwini and the province of KwaZulu-Natal, especially the department responsible for sport and recreation, for agreeing to host this event.
In concluding, thank you to the local organising committee and everybody who contributed towards organising the 2009 Indigenous Games festival. The success of this festival is dependent on our conduct on and off the field of play. And yes, as we celebrate Heritage Month, we can make this heritage-informed festival, a success. On that note, I declare the fifth Indigenous Games festival opened.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Cell: 082 782 1759
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
24 September 2009
