By Celani Sikhakhane
- Communities in Big Five Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, have revived stick fighting, known as Ntonga, as part of indigenous games.
- Participant Bonga Mdletshe says the sport is now part of a municipality-funded competition, with hopes to compete at regional and provincial level.
Rural communities in Big Five Hlabisa have revived stick fighting, after years of neglect, as part of a renewed push to give indigenous games proper recognition. The revival follows complaints that sports federations have focused primarily on international events such as the Olympics, while traditional games were left behind.
This week, the Big Five Hlabisa community showcased their skill in stick fighting, known as Ntonga, and other indigenous games, with plans to compete at regional and provincial level.
Bonga Mdletshe, who took part in this week’s games, said he is glad stick fighting is now being taken seriously as part of a municipality-funded competition.
“This game used to be very strong in many rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Other people then decided to ignore it because it was wrongly used to create tribal fights and bloodshed. This led some communities to think it was better not to use it anymore. Stick fighting was entertainment for boys while they looked after livestock away from home. It contributed to a young boy’s growth into a responsible man,” Mdletshe said.
He said stick fighting was also sometimes misused to settle scores between rivals during traditional ceremonies such as umemulo and traditional weddings.
In 2017, indigenous games, including stick fighting, were showcased at the Arnold Classic Africa multi-sport festival at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, held in partnership with the Gauteng provincial government.
Participants say little has been done since then to raise the profile of indigenous games. Many believe the games deserve the same attention and investment given to sports such as boxing and athletics.
Pictured above: Boys from Big Five Hlabisa taking part in a stick fighting match.
Image source: Supplied
