By: Xolani Shabalala

Primary Schools reigned supreme in the Imbizo indigenous games hosted by the Durban University of Technology’s Sport Management Department at Fred Crookes, Steve Biko
Campus on Friday.

The games were played by three primary schools under the eThekwini Municipality:

Christopher Nxumalo, uMkhumbane and Chesterville Primary Schools.

According to Nothile Mthanti, a second year Sport Management student at DUT, the event’s purpose was to preserve indigenous games and to motivate young people into playing African
original games.

“This event helps young people to have fun playing games that were played and created by their forefathers,” she said.

The three schools competed in three games; Khokho, Umlabalaba and Induku. Chesterville Primary School started with a win in Khokho scoring 14 with their rivals Umkhumbane
scoring seven.

However, tables were turned when Christopher Nxumalo defeated them 18-12 in the final game.

The minors were not done yet as their following challenge was Umlabalaba.  The African board game required contestants to think deeply. According to Simphiwe Mdletshe, a pupil

from Umkhumbane, the game took longer and required patience and great thinking.

“Umlabalaba should have been the last game to be played because it was more of a calming game,” said the Umkhumbane school pupil.

Again Christopher Nxumalo Primary School triumphed with a score of 4-0 up against Umkhumbane as well as Chesterville. Things changed in the stick fighting with

Umkhumbane crowned the victors.

Christopher Nxumalo took the golden trophy. Umkhumbane was named second place and took home silver medals while third place Chesterville, received Bronx medals.

The event’s facilitator Sibusiso Ngcobo said, “We are planning to have these games every year so that these young people can grow from playing indigenous games and also be proud
of their culture.”