Utilizing Indigenous African Games as a Teaching Aid for Advanced Ubuntu

Bibliographic Data

ID22257541
AuthorsFairhope Gumede (0009-0003-4363-2980, University of Zululand, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume6
Issue14
Pages3550
Publication date2025-12-11
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueE-Journal of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2720-7722 • E-ISSN: 2720-7722
PublisherNoyam Publishers (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.38159/ehass.20256143
OpenAlexW4417287082
LanguageEN
References cited15

This paper examines how native African games can be used as teaching tools to promote Ubuntu, a South African traditional philosophy that specifically emphasizes community, empathy, mutual respect and shared humanity. Despite the recent increase in interest in culturally responsive learning, traditional African games are still not fully exploited as a useful educational tool. This paper aims to fill the gap identified by examining how African games with their rich social, ethical and cultural dimensions can be used effectively to promote and nurture Ubuntu values among students. The qualitative research approach was used in this study to examine which African games best promote cooperation, social interaction and mutual accountability, which is in line with Ubuntu principles. In this study, participants were observed and teachers and students in selected schools were interviewed. Interaction was directed towards how these African games affect students’ social skills, sense of community and moral development. The practical challenges and benefits of incorporating traditional games into educational environments are also assessed. The findings of this study show that African games are potentially powerful tools to effectively promote Ubuntu among learners, offering innovative and culturally grounded methods for teachers to foster social cohesion, empathy and ethical behaviour. By reintroducing these games into classrooms, this research has the potential to provide a framework that both preserves the indigenous knowledge system and improves the practice of the education system to bring it in line with African values

African culture · African philosophy · Empathy · Indigenous · Indigenous culture · Nature versus nurture · Qualitative research · Traditional knowledge · African cultural and philosophical studies · Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Agriculture · Peace and Human Rights Education

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