Team KZN defend National Indigenous Games competition

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They came to defend their 2016 win and once again the KZN team won the Indigenous Games Championships for 2017.

The reigning champions of the Indigenous Games for the last 3 years consecutively, Team KZN once more showcased sportsmanship prowess with a feisty competitive spirit ensuring that they upheld the status quo.

Taking second place was once again Team Limpopo and following in 3rd position was Team Western Cape who were in 7th position in 2016. With the next TAFISA World Sport for All Games taking place in 2020 in Portugal, it will be interesting to see how other provinces improve their performances in an effort to make it as the team to present the country at the international championships.

The winning teams were announced at the closing ceremony of the Indigenous Games Festival 2017, held at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo on the 29th of September 2017.

Addressing those in attendance at the closing ceremony, the DG of the national department of Sport and Recreation, Mr. Alec Moemi, affirmed the invaluable platform which the Indigenous Games Festival programme plays in driving preservation of the games, celebration of South African cultural identity as well as promotion of social cohesion within the diverse multi-cultural communities of South Africa.

The DG of SRSA went on to also remind the Indigenous Games Provincial teams that the upcoming 2020 TAFISA Games - are an opportunity for the best provincial teams to represent SA by participating in international championships. Key to this international platform is that its mandate resonates well with the Indigenous Games Festival platform as it promotes traditional sports and games whilst encouraging physical activity participation.

Also present was MEC of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation of Limpopo Ms. Onicca Moloi who thanked the provincial teams, the coaches as well as the LOC of the IG 2017 for delivering the 2017 programme. MEC went on to also applaud the media for the fine work they did throughout the week in telling the story of SA’s heritage and culture as brought to life through the bouquet of activities which took place at Seshego stadium throughout the week.

Indeed, the bouquet offered on site at Seshego Stadium from the 24th to the 29th of September 2017 celebrated our rich South African heritage. From the 9 provinces competing across the 9 Indigenous Games codes; to the Open Stage platform which daily hosted cultural performances from our local artists; to the African Crafts Market which gave African crafters the opportunity to sell their work - daily the stadium, offered attendees with a plethora of activities to choose from.

Adding to that bouquet was the African fashion show which took place on the 28th which saw Limpopo designers showcase designs of their African garments across 3 categories. The African Village brought to community life in the villages with 5 rondavels showcasing 5 different cultures engaging learners daily on our culture and heritage.

There is an African Proverb which states that: “he who does not love to dance, does not love to sing” and this sums up so well the experience of watching African Gumboot Dancing competitions. On the 25th, the competition was for primary school learners whilst the 26th saw the hosting of the competition for high school learners with each group showcasing rich performances of dance interwoven with harmonious African rich voices - all in an effort to win the hearts of the judges.

As a department, Indigenous Games Festival will continue to be the platform which showcases the department’s commitment in driving the Social Cohesion’s Outcome 14 government mandate. By providing and promoting sport platforms which encourage more opportunities for acceptance of our diverse culture, we as a department of Sport & Recreation are implementing and planting seeds of success towards the realisation of NDP’s 2030 vision.

My Games. My Roots. My Pride. My Future

Vision

A healthy, winning, and socially cohesive province through sport and recreation.

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