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The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and their partners introduce Western Cape youth to their cultural heritage at the Provincial Youth Camp at Steinthal Estate in Tulbagh.

The Tulbagh camp, hosted from 29 September to 6 October 2012, is being attended by a total of 275 youths from across the Western Cape. They were introduced to indigenous games, such as Dibele, Khokho, Lintonga, Drie-stokkies, Ncuva, Morabaraba, Diteko and Kgati.

Mr Manfred Josephs of the Directorate: Sport Development says that the games bring different cultures together and also empower people with cultural values. “Indigenous games have a significant history, and it can strengthen communities by protecting their cultural heritage,” he said.

The first session on Sunday, 30 September 2012, was a fun-filled experience for the participants. Colin Myoni from Khayelitsha felt that the games brought him closer to persons from different backgrounds. “It was great to play and learn Drie-stokkies. I’ve never seen people in my community playing this game, so it was special and an experience that I’ll never forget,” he said.

The department will select a team from the camp to take part at the Provincial Games in November, where six regions of the Western Cape will compete. Ultimately, a Western Cape team will be selected for a national tournament to be held in September 2013. Through indigenous games, the department creates opportunities for youths to engage in their cultural heritage.