POLOKWANE – Minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula, together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, Onicca Moloi, welcomed the athletes at the opening ceremony on Sunday. Local kings and Polokwane Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng were also present. Speaking at the event, Mbalula said it is important for the youth to participate in these games in order to stay fit and out of trouble. “Young people should be full of life and express their cultural traditions and beliefs. Our culture is part of who we are and we should therefore embrace it,” he said.
National House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Mahlangu, said they were excited to be part of the games and assured Mbalula that the games will always be a success as long as they are supported by traditional leaders.
The games, organised by the Department of Sport, started on Monday and will come to a close on Wednesday. The various district winners qualified for the national and final leg of the competition.
According to a statement released by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the revival of Indigenous Games in the country is in reaction to the national call to embrace African renaissance in the quest for celebrating and offering recognition to emerging cultural identity.
The statement reads: “The purpose of the competition is to revive and popularise cultural activities that have a particular appeal to the varying sectors of South African communities, particularly traditional rural people.
“The department hosts these games to preserve heritage; promote social cohesion, cultural diversity and nation building”.
The competition encourages pride in African identity and cultural diversity, and has a positive impact on education and training.
Furthermore, it encourages a healthy lifestyle and discourages unwanted social behaviour by keeping the youth engaged. Athletes competed in various sporting codes such as Morabaraba, Jukskei, Dibeke, Ncuva, Khokho, Diketo, Kgati, Intonga and Drie Stokkies.
