Factors influencing non-participation of youth in indigenous games in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province

Abstract

Indigenous games play an important role in human life, for example entertainment, socialization, learning, sport and culture preservation. The concern is that youth of today are generally no longer seen participating in these games. This study seeks to investigate factors influencing nonparticipation of youth in indigenous games at Thulamela Municipality in Vhembe district, South Africa. A qualitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the selected village targeting youth and young adults within the purposively selected wards. A calculated sample size of 23, of which 11 were females and 12 males participated in this study. Ethical principles of voluntary participation and anonymity were observed. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The data was thereafter analysed using content analysis and Atlas ti version 8. The analyses were made using themes in line with Atlas ti and thematic content analysis analyzing complex themes yielded within the data as follow: (1) factors influencing youth non-participation in indigenous games; (2) strategies for encouraging youth to participate in indigenous games; (3) ways of sustaining indigenous games; (4) perceived benefits of playing indigenous; and (5) perceived consequences of non-participation in indigenous games. Further, 20 sub-themes also emerged during the analysis. Factors influencing the nonparticipation of youth in indigenous games were explored (Christianity and modernity; desire for modern social network; lack of parental support, time and motivation). Factors influencing youth non-participation and strategies for encouraging youth to participate in indigenous games such as incitivising and inclusion of indigenous games in the educational curriculum were discussed by participants and were considered as recommendations for practice and policy formulation.