An Afro-centric perspective on physical activity: A systematic review of the role of indigenous games among learners in South Africa

Abstract

Africa has a rich tradition of time-tested indigenous games that can be adopted to improve physical activity participation and generate  positive outcomes in educational contexts. This systematic review was conducted to explore scholarly perspectives in South Africa on the  strategic role of indigenous games in promoting physical activities and enhancing learning outcomes. The review explored articles from  2002 to 2022 in accredited peer-reviewed journals. A systematic search of databases found 21 studies that addressed the intersection  between indigenous games’ promotion and education to potentially promote holistic development. The review showed that there was a  credible rationale for the adoption of indigenous games, as they were associated with positive physical, cognitive and affective outcomes  that are beneficial to learners in educational settings. The findings revealed a need for further studies and a well-coordinated research- based policy and strategy for promoting indigenous games among learners to attain optimum physical activity participation levels. The  review provides recommendations for further research and strategies for the optimum integration of indigenous games into school- based physical activity programmes.