
Revitalising Indigenous Games: A Systematic Review on Their Role in Health Promotion and Obesity Prevention Among Youth in South Africa
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.
Akbar, Lamia, Aleksandra M Zuk, and Leonard J S Tsuji. “Health and Wellness Impacts of Traditional Physical Activity Experiences on Indigenous Youth: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21 (2020): 8275.
Al-Hazzaa, Hazzaa M, Nada A Abahussain, Hana I Al-Sobayel, Dina M Qahwaji, and Abdulrahman O Musaiger. “Lifestyle Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Saudi Adolescents.” BMC Public Health 12, no. 1 (2012): 354.
Aromataris, Edoardo, and Zachary Munn. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Adelaide: JBI, 2020. https://doi.org/10.46658/JBIMES-20-01.
Blair, Steven N. “Physical Inactivity: The Biggest Public Health Problem of the 21st Century.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 43, no. 1 (2009): 1–2.
Bogopa, David L. “The Importance of Indigenous Games: The Selected Cases of Indigenous Games in South Africa.” Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems 11, no.2(2012):245–56.
Bolarinwa, Obasanjo Afolabi, Olalekan Seun Olagunju, Eugene Budu, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Ismail A Odetokun, Ahmad I Al-Mustapha, Simangele Azande Shezi, and Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. “Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases and Associated Factors in South Africa: Evidence from National Income Dynamics Survey, 2008-2017.,” December 8, 2020. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-118228/v1.
Burnett, C. “ Traditional Sports and Games in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.” In Sport in the African World, 121–45. Routledge, 2018.
Burnett, Cora, and Wim J Hollander. “The South African Indigenous Games Research Project of 2001/2002.” South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation 26, no. 1 (2004): 9–23.
Daswa, T J, Vhonani Olive Netshandama, and P E Matshidze. “Moving the Traditional Games to the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Case of Vhavenda Community.” Gender and Behaviour 17, no. 1 (2019): 12390–404.
Dube, Adiele, Ina Shaw, Musa L Mathunjwa, and Brandon S Shaw. “Impact of Traditional Dance and Games on Cardiovascular Health: A Scoping Review of Outcomes Across Diverse Low-and Middle-Income Countries.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 22, no. 3 (2025): 440.
Edwards, Peggy, and Agis D Tsouros. Promoting Physical Activity and Active Living in Urban Environments: The Role of Local Governments. WHO Regional Office Europe, 2006.
Ferreira, Maria Beatriz Rocha, and M Beatriz. “Indigenous Games: A Struggle between Past and Present.” Bulletin. Journal of Sport Science and Physical Education 67 (2014): 48–54.
Haddaway, Neal R, Matthew J Page, Chris C Pritchard, and Luke A McGuinness. “PRISMA2020: An R Package and Shiny App for Producing PRISMA 2020‐compliant Flow Diagrams, with Interactivity for Optimised Digital Transparency and Open Synthesis.” Campbell Systematic Reviews 18, no. 2 (2022): e1230.
Hadebe-Ndlovu, Blanche N. “Teachers’ Experiences of Indigenous Games in the Early Grades.” South African Journal of Childhood Education 12, no. 1 (September 20, 2022). https://doi.org/10.4102/sajce.v12i1.931.
Katzmarzyk, P T, Ian Janssen, and C I Ardern. “Physical Inactivity, Excess Adiposity and Premature Mortality.” Obesity Reviews 4, no. 4 (2003): 257–90.
Kohl, Harold W, Cora Lynn Craig, Estelle Victoria Lambert, Shigeru Inoue, Jasem Ramadan Alkandari, Grit Leetongin, and Sonja Kahlmeier. “The Pandemic of Physical Inactivity: Global Action for Public Health.” The Lancet 380, no. 9838 (2012): 294–305.
Kruger, H Salome, Christina S Venter, Hester H Vorster, and Barrie M Margetts. “Physical Inactivity Is the Major Determinant of Obesity in Black Women in the North West Province, South Africa: The THUSA Study.” Nutrition 18, no. 5 (2002): 422–27.
Livhuwani, Munyangane Osia, Lekgothoane Khutso, Pfarelo Matshidze, and Justice Makhanikhe. “The Role of Indigenous Diets and Recreational Activities in Promoting Healthy Ageing and Managing Age-Related Diseases: A Scoping Review.” International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478) 14, no. 6 (August 13, 2025): 255–69. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i6.4260.
Madima, Thizwilondi Joanbeth. “Exploring the Cultural Heritage Preservation through Digitisation: A Case Study of Traditional Children’s Games in Limpopo Province, South Africa,” 2021.
Malambo, Pasmore, Andre P. Kengne, Estelle V. Lambert, Anniza De Villiers, and Thandi Puoane. “Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Physical Activity Levels among South African Adults in Cape Town and Mount Frere Communities in 2008-2009.” Archives of Public Health 74, no. 1 (December 29, 2016): 54. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-016-0167-3.
Mathunjwa, Musa Lewis, Privilege Banqobile Ndlovu, Senzelwe Mazibuko, Gudani Goodman Mukoma, and Dimitar Avramov. “Indigenous Games and Physical Activity for Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases in African Communities: A Public Health Perspective.” Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 7 (2025): 1674875.
Mlangeni, Lungelo, Lehlogonolo Makola, Inbarani Naidoo, Buyisile Chibi, Zinhle Sokhela, Zola Silimfe, and Musawenkosi Mabaso. “Factors Associated with Physical Activity in South Africa: Evidence from a National Population Based Survey.” The Open Public Health Journal 11, no. 1 (2018).
Mogamisi, M. S. “ Indigenous Games, Dance, and Music for Promoting Health and Wellbeing of the Aged in the North-West Province.” North-West University, 2022.
Mokoena, M.-L., and C. K. Moroka. “Indigenous Games in South Africa: A Review of the Literature.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 5, no. 2 (2019): 11–24.
Mphekgwana, P. M., K. D. Monyeki, T. M. Mothiba, M. Makgahlela, N. Kgatla, R. N. Malema, and T. Sodi. “Screening and Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Limpopo Province, South Africa.” Metabolites 12, no. 11 (2022): 1067.
Mudzielwana, Tshilidzi Norah. “Factors Influencing Non-Participation of Youth in Indigenous Games in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.” University of Venda, 2020.
Mulibana, P.K., M. Keim, and C. De Coning. “Transforming Usual Traditional Activities for Community Benefits: Meaningful Social Outcomes of Indigenous Games among Vhavenda People in Limpopo Province, South Africa.” African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (AJPHES) 31, no. 3 (September 2025): 452–72. https://doi.org/10.37597/ajphes.2025.31.3.5.
Netshivhambe, Ntshengedzeni Evans. “Promoting Elderly Wellbeing through Indigenous Music and Choral Performance.” EXPLORE 21, no. 3 (May 2025): 103145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2025.103145.
Ntelezi, Abenathi Ivy, H K N Bama, and Gift Muresherwa. “Indigenous Games as a Catalyst for Sport Tourism Development in South Africa.” In International Conference on Tourism Research, 7:453–60. Academic Conferences International Limited, 2024.
Ntsieni, Vhonani Margareth. “ Relationship between Sedentary Lifestyle Patterns and Obesity among Adults in Ha-Tshikundamalema Area of Limpopo Province, South Africa.” University of Venda, 2018.
Oyeyemi, Adewale L., Sarah J. Moss, Makama A. Monyeki, and Herculina S. Kruger. “Measurement of Physical Activity in Urban and Rural South African Adults: A Comparison of Two Self-Report Methods.” BMC Public Health 16, no. 1 (December 22, 2016): 1004. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3693-6.
Page, Matthew J, Joanne E McKenzie, Patrick M Bossuyt, Isabelle Boutron, Tammy C Hoffmann, Cynthia D Mulrow, Larissa Shamseer, et al. “The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews.” BMJ, March 29, 2021, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71.
Popay, Jennie, Helen Roberts, Amanda Sowden, Mark Petticrew, Lisa Arai, Mark Rodgers, Nicky Britten, Katrina Roen, and Steven Duffy. “Guidance on the Conduct of Narrative Synthesis in Systematic Reviews.” A Product from the ESRC Methods Programme Version 1, no. 1 (2006): b92.
Sakala, M. “Indigenous Games as Part of School-Based Physical Activity Delivery Programmes: Prospects for Optimum Implementation for Primary School Learners’ Holistic Health Outcomes.” University of Johannesburg, 2023.
Sakala, M, and C J Roux. “An Afro-Centric Perspective on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of the Role of Indigenous Games among Learners in South Africa.” African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (AJPHES) 30, no. 2 (2024): 268–88.
Segwapa, S. “ Participation of Indigenous Games by Youth in Ga-Ledwaba Village, Lepelle-Nkumpi District.” University of Limpopo, 2019.
Shandu, Nduduzo Msizi, Brandon Stuwart Shaw, Musa Lewis Mathunjwa, and Ina Shaw. “The Need for Indigenous Games to Combat Noncommunicable Diseases in South Africa: A Narrative Review,” 2024.
Sibandze, Gugu F, and Meshack N Dludlu. “Interfacing Indigenous Knowledge with Scientific Knowledge for Improved Health Outcomes: Lessons from Eswatini.” In Socio-Ecological Systems and Decoloniality: Convergence of Indigenous and Western Knowledge, 33–49. Springer, 2023.
Yousefian, Anush, Erika Ziller, Jon Swartz, and David Hartley. “Active Living for Rural Youth: Addressing Physical Inactivity in Rural Communities.” Journal of Public Health Management and Practice 15, no. 3 (2009): 223–31.
Zide, L. “ Youth Participation in Sports: Reconsidering the Lost Culture of Indigenous Games in Libode, Eastern Cape.” Nelson Mandela University, 2024.
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/).









