Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Misener, Laura

Abstract

Global development strategies for Indigenous games have gradually driven their transformation into standardized sport, potentially altering their cultural essence. While research has primarily focused on documenting, classifying and formalizing these games, limited attention has been given to the institutional processes behind the regulations and their impact on cultural preservation.

This research used narrative analysis to trace the historical marginalization and revival of South African Indigenous games, exploring the complexities in integrating them into formal institutions without compromising their cultural authenticity.

Through an intrinsic case study approach, grounded in Institutional Work Theory, document analysis and stakeholder interviews were conducted.

The findings demonstrate that formalization aligns with the broader socio-political goals of legitimizing Indigenous games within national policies and emphasizes the role of multi-level stakeholders in sustaining these games as instruments for cultural and socio-economic development. This research may inform policy frameworks and future discourse on sports and recreational development in Africa.

Summary for Lay Audience

Indigenous games in Africa are physical activities that have been passed down through generations within various communities. These games are informal, played with minimal equipment, and are taught through participation and imitation. They reflect the cultural values, history, and identity of the people, serving as forms of entertainment, physical exercise, and social interaction.

In recent years, there has been emerging interest to revive Indigenous games. As global sports become more dominant, there is a need to develop Indigenous games to ensure they do not fade into obscurity, prompting efforts to formalize them.

This research delved into the intricate process of formalizing Indigenous games in South Africa, a nation rich in cultural diversity and history. The study focused on the South African Indigenous games project, an initiative launched in the early 2000s to revive and promote Indigenous games across the country. The primary aim of this research was to understand how South Africa is modifying their Indigenous games, which were once informal into officially organized and structured activities with rules and regulations without losing their cultural essence. Information was gathered through policy documents and interviews conducted with a key government official, and Indigenous knowledge researchers to trace the steps taken to formalize Indigenous games. The research examined how language, power dynamics and actions surrounding the formalization process affects the Games’ cultural significance.

The findings of this research showed that the process of formalizing Indigenous games included documentation, creating standard guidelines and making them part of National sport policies for schools and communities, encouraging more participation and recognition. However, the study revealed that it can be challenging to maintain the cultural integrity of Indigenous games while making them formal institutions. Therefore, the researcher suggested that, while formal recognition and organization of Indigenous games is necessary for survival in contemporary world, it is crucial to constantly negotiate what, and which aspect of the games should change so that they do not lose their cultural value. It emphasized the need for collaboration and participation between local communities and government to foster a more inclusive national identity and contribute to the socio-economic role of Indigenous games to development.

Available for download on Thursday, April 30, 2026

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