Participation of indigenous games by youth in Ga-Ledwaba Village in Lebowakgomo in Lepelle Nkumpi District

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to explore factors that contribute to the extinction of traditional games in Lepelle Nkumpi District, Limpopo Province. This study utilized a qualitative approach to identify factors that contribute to the disappearance of indigenous games in communities. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used for data collection and data was analyzed using thematic approach. The population was comprised of youth from Ga-Ledwaba village who played the games before or watched them. Purposive sampling was used to select five youths and five knowledge holders. The study found that young people at Ga-Ledwaba village do not play indigenous games like they were played before. Furthermore, the study revealed reasons that hinder young people from participating in indigenous games such as loss of interest because games are not properly introduced and facilitated in the village, knowledge holders have lost interest in transferring their skills and being role models to youth, technology is taking over, young people spend most of their free time on electronic devices that allow them to access most of the social media and games. The study recommends that proper planning and implementation is needed to ensure that programmes run smooth by involving parents and schools in the decision making to create a sense of ownership around the community.