The role of indigenous games in sport and development: The case of games and values of Vhavenda people in Limpopo

Abstract

Africa has a rich tradition of culture, history, economy, sport, and social institutions which are envied by the Western world. Various racial and ethnic groups in the continent have demonstrated these legacies. These tribes evolved Indigenous Games, sports, plays, dances, and arts that were used for various purposes, such as socialization, initiation ceremonies, values transfer, recreation, chieftaincy coronations, etc. Unfortunately, some of these legacies have had, so far, very little or no documentation. The present study titled “The Role of Indigenous Games in Sport and Development: Case of Games and Values of Vhavenda People in Limpopo” is designed to explore and determine the role and impact of Indigenous Games in sport and development. This facilitated the development of a framework to better understand the role which these games play in sport and development as well as the values of these games for Vhavenda People. This study adopted a descriptive survey adopting a mixed-methods approach employing the use of structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data and the use of focus group discussions and structured interviews to collect qualitative data from different segmented population groups including anthropologists, as well as those who are directly and indirectly involved in the programming and delivery of Indigenous Games within Vhembe district of Limpopo province. The results of this study revealed that Indigenous Games for Vhavenda people play a significant role in socialization, values transfer, education and promoting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. The study further uncovered that Indigenous Games are another means to transfer indigenous knowledge from one generation to another. The study included the development of a framework for understanding the role and impact of Indigenous Games in sport and development, adaptable for use by all stakeholders worldwide to improve their inclusion in socialization, education, curricula, as well as the programming and delivery of Indigenous Games.