Paradigm lost: Indigenous games and neoliberalism in the South African context

Purpose-The chapter reports on a national indigenous games research project and follows the socio-political construction of indigenous games as a sporting code and the post-colonial identity dynamics within South Africa. Design/methodology/approach-Researchers from 11 tertiary institutions in South Africa collaborated to capture 536 'indigenous' game and sporting activities from 170 communities. An inductive research approach informed an emic typology, with further analysis of the 20 most popular indigenous games (and their variations). This analysis demonstrated hegemonic gender and ethnic layering within the context of participation, as well as in the broader South African society. The institutionalisation of selected indigenous games by Sport and Recreation South Africa and the implementation thereof in the Siyadlala programme (community-based mass participation programme), afforded widespread participation to meet a human rights framework. Findings -In accordance to the strategic outcomes of the national department, this initiative provided access to sport and recreation, especially for the previously 'disadvantaged' communities who experienced high levels of exclusion during the Apartheid years (1948-1994). This politically informed intervention followed a political agenda of national identity association in celebrating the African heritage and 'unity through diversity'. Standardisation of rules and the re-invention of some games for local, national and international festivals along the line of competitive sport offered contradicting messages and practices. Originality/value -The underlying discourses of post-colonial resistance, national identity formation and socio-political agendas are interrogated.