Call to include indigenous games at Olympic level

Stick fighters in Hluhluwe have called on the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to consider including stick fighting and other indigenous games at Olympic level.

The call came during an Indigenous Games tournament held at the Cwakeme sport ground in Hluhluwe over the weekend.

The tournament featured stick fighting, Kho-kho, Civa Jukskei, Magenda and Mlabalaba, and was organised by Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality.

At the event, competitor Zenzele Mtshele said indigenous games need to be developed, marketed to other countries, and included in the Olympics.

“This game attracts a lot of people in rural and urban areas across the country and, as young people who are proud of their culture, we want to participate on the world stage,” said Mdletshe.

Big 5 Mayor Comfort Khumalo was pleased with the high standard shown by participants, saying his wish was to include the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) in the development of indigenous games.

“Our main desire is to get these indigenous games the recognition they deserve. But for now, we are getting assistance from the KZN Department of Sport,” said Khumalo.

The winners are expected to represent Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality at district level.

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