Revitalising Indigenous Games: A Systematic Review on Their Role in Health Promotion and Obesity Prevention Among Youth in South Africa
Munyangane Osia Livhuwani 
, Khutso Lekgothoane , Justice Makhanikhe & Pfarelo Matshidze
Issue: Vol.7 No.1 2026 Article 9 pp. 113 – 130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026719| Published online 25th February 2026
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: Indigenous Games, Obesity, Obesity Prevention, Physical Activity.
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Munyangane Osia Livhuwani is a health researcher and entrepreneur with interdisciplinary expertise in Public Health, Sport, Recreation, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. His work focuses on exploring the intersections of health, culture, and community well-being. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure, a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care and District Health Management, and a Master of Science in African Studies from the University of Venda. Osia has presented his work at prestigious platforms, including the Life Through Movement 3rd International Conference (LTMIC 2016). He is a proud member of the World Leisure Organization and the Public Health Association of South Africa, aligning his research with global health and wellness agendas. With a strong emphasis on health promotion and the integration of Indigenous Knowledge into contemporary health strategies, his work advances inclusive, culturally relevant health interventions, particularly within rural and underserved communities.
Khutso Lekgothoane is a doctoral researcher in Health Sciences, specialising in Recreation Sciences at North-West University (Potchefstroom), South Africa. His research expertise includes therapeutic recreation and commercial recreation. Khutso is the founder and chairperson of the South African Recreation and Leisure Professionals Association (NPO) and serves as Director of Sport and Recreation in Rural Areas (NPO) in Limpopo Province.
Dr Tshimangadzo J Makhanikhe is a senior lecturer and HOD in the Department of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Heritage Studies under the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education at the University of Venda. His research interest includes, among other issues, land, traditional leadership, traditional medicine, indigenous Agriculture and indigenous Science.
Adv. Prof. Pfarelo Matshidze is the Deputy Dean of teaching and learning at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education at the University of Venda. She holds a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Zululand and a master’s in law from the University of South Africa. Her speciality is in Anthropology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Indigenous Law. For many years, she worked as a lecturer at the interface between the university and the community, exploring community engagement. Adv. Prof. Matshidze is involved in several multi-pronged projects in which students and staff members in different disciplines engage with communities to improve their quality of life.
– Livhuwani, Munyangane Osia, Khutso Lekgothoane, Justice Makhanikhe, and Pfarelo Matshidze. “Revitalising Indigenous Games: A Systematic Review on Their Role in Health Promotion and Obesity Prevention Among Youth in South Africa.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.1 (2026): 113 – 130. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026719
© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
