No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
Playing sticks: An exploration of Zulu stick fighting as performance
... Ukungcweka is an indigenous martial arts game played by boys herding cattle as a foretaste of things to come later in life (Coetzee, 2000;Coetzee, 2002). While related to ukudlala induku or ukudlalisa induku or izinduku, which roughly translates as "playing the sticks with you" -a competitive isiZulu stick fighting match usually associated with different festivals -there are differences between the two activities (Coetzee, 2000). ...
... Ukungcweka is an indigenous martial arts game played by boys herding cattle as a foretaste of things to come later in life (Coetzee, 2000;Coetzee, 2002). While related to ukudlala induku or ukudlalisa induku or izinduku, which roughly translates as "playing the sticks with you" -a competitive isiZulu stick fighting match usually associated with different festivals -there are differences between the two activities (Coetzee, 2000). Ukungcweka orientates isiZulu males to the social roles, qualities and behavioural patterns expected of them, including Ubuntu. ...
... Ukungcweka orientates isiZulu males to the social roles, qualities and behavioural patterns expected of them, including Ubuntu. Depending on the occasion, different formats of stick fighting form part of many important isiZulu cultural activities such as "ukuthomba" (puberty ceremony), "ukudla iphaphu" (the lung festival), "ukweshela" (courtship), "umgangela" (inter-district fighting) and "udwendwe" (traditional wedding) (Coetzee, 2000;Coetzee, 2002;Nxumalo, Semple, & Longhurst, 2015). ...
This paper foregrounds the value of the inclusion of Ubuntu
philosophy in the school curriculum using indigenous games.
There has been increased interest emanating from the Department
of Basic Education (DBE) in the inclusion of Ubuntu philosophy
in the mainstream school curriculum. The DBE has identified
indigenous knowledge as an asset that can be integrated into
the school curriculum in order to educate African children about
Ubuntu philosophy, moral and cultural beliefs. The efficacy of
indigenous methods to teach schoolchildren these important
concepts has, however, largely remained an untapped area of
study. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how Ubuntu philosophy
can be taught in the school curriculum using selected indigenous
isiZulu games. Using Mbigi’s Collective Fingers Theory, we analyse
three isiZulu indigenous games and demonstrate that indigenous
games can be successfully used to teach Ubuntu philosophy.
The paper contributes to the ongoing debates about the value of
African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS), such as Ubuntu
philosophy, in teaching decolonised curriculum content and
instilling moral principles and cultural beliefs such as the value of
communal identity.
Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Ubuntu philosophy, African
child, indigenous games.
... Although stickfighting was previously deployed in battles for territory, it is today a symbolic performance that speaks directly to a cultural past that was devalued and demonized by centuries of white colonial rule (Carton and Morell, 2012). Coetzee (2000) emphasizes that the elements of stick-fighting performances today are thus theatrical in essence, evoking historical memory through dramatic and rhythmic movement. ...
... They are usually initiated by a call that signals a break from other protest activity (such as songs and dances). There is typically an introductory moment to gain the attention of onlookers and signal the official start of the stick-fight (Coetzee, 2000). As such, we need to understand stick-fights within protest not as forms of resistance, but as cultural modes of drawing the protest into a particular tradition of meaning-making that is charged with an affective attachment to political resistance. ...
The high levels of protest in South Africa have produced varied academic literature on the subject. Although political and structural determinants of protest are readily acknowledged, social actors who comprise protest events are rarely centralised within scholarly inquiry. The particularities of protests are thus less considered than the structural issues underlying protests. We therefore argue that studying the multimodality of cultural production within protests affords researchers insight into the socially embedded nature of protest from the perspective of protester as a social actor. When we understand culture as continually being remade with and against different semiotic repertoires, then protest comes to signify a series of dynamic moments wherein cultural meanings are deployed for political purposes. Accordingly, we explore protest in South Africa by examining how the cultural practices of stick-fighting, dance, and song are navigated within the protest as a politico-affective space. Our analysis of cultural production within this space does not diminish the fundamentally political nature of protest, but instead uses cultural registers to expand how we engage the political. We conclude by reflecting on how multimodal considerations push protest research to explore the internal dynamics of protests and what this means for the understanding of protests more generally.
... While the notion of stick fighting may appear violent from Western perspectives, it has particular cultural significance amongst the Zulu. The customary significance of stick fighting pleased Zulu kings and can be traced back to the period of King Shaka's reign as founder of the Zulu nation (Coetzee, 2000). Stick fighting is an opportunity for young men to become courageous and earn respect in the community. ...
This qualitative study draws from focus group discussions with primary school boys,girls and their teachers to examine how violence is experienced at a rural school in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study draws attention to ‘amaphara' masculinity’ as conceptualized by Hunter (2021) and stick fighting as key to understanding the local expressions of violence and its problematic relationship with girls and 'other' boys.Examining these practices, and the wider sociocultural contexts in which they are embedded, we argue is vital for gender violence prevention in rural schools.
... Currently stick fighting is still performed in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal as a process of socialization and self-defence as well as transmitting the social norms of the community in which it operates (Roux, 2006). Leitch (cited in Coetzee, 1997) is, however, of the opinion that elements of stick fighting as a social institution have been taken out of the original context and used for political advantage in recent years. He argues that Zulu-speaking groups use elements of stick fighting during political marches as an expression of solidarity. ...
Although natural scientifically orientated, evidence based, health promoting, physical activity programmes regularly appear in international television in all countries on planet earth, very few people adhere to such programmes, especially in such economically less developed regions as Africa and India. Personal, social and cultural meanings of human movement, sport and exercise differ dramatically world wide and amongst different cultures and age groups. The focus of this article is on experiential, social and cultural ways in which movement may promote life and health. Ancient patterns of African communal life involve healthy, breath-coordinated movements and gestures in a mutual reciprocity of person-world relations. Traditional Zulu cultural forms of human movement, which promote life and health, such as play, martial arts and dance, remain widely practised, especially in rural areas of South Africa. Members of African Indigenous Churches build and impart communal spirituality through rhythmic dancing in healing circles. The psychology of such community healing through movement is of an original and universal form, as conveyed by the Greek concept of psyche or the South African Nguni concept of umoya, involving breath, soul and spirit. Such holistic African lessons teach movement for life and health, while empowering people to become more truly and fully human. br> African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 13 (1) 2007: pp. 1-16
... Currently stick fighting is still performed in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal as a process of socialization and self-defence as well as transmitting the social norms of the community in which it operates (Roux, 2006). Leitch (cited in Coetzee, 1997) is, however, of the opinion that elements of stick fighting as a social institution have been taken out of the original context and used for political advantage in recent years. He argues that Zulu-speaking groups use elements of stick fighting during political marches as an expression of solidarity. ...
Although natural scientifically orientated, evidence based, health promoting, physical activity programmes regularly appear in international television in all countries on planet earth, very few people adhere to such programmes, especially in such economically less developed regions as Africa and India. Personal, social and cultural meanings of human movement, sport and exercise differ dramatically world wide and amongst different cultures and age groups. The focus of this article is on experiential, social and cultural ways in which movement may promote life and health. Ancient patterns of African communal life involve healthy, breath-coordinated movements and gestures in a mutual reciprocity of person-world relations. Traditional Zulu cultural forms of human movement, which promote life and health, such as play, martial arts and dance, remain widely practised, especially in rural areas of South Africa. Members of African Indigenous Churches build and impart communal spirituality through rhythmic dancing in healing circles. The psychology of such community healing through movement is of an original and universal form, as conveyed by the Greek concept of psyche or the South African Nguni concept of umoya, involving breath, soul and spirit. Such holistic African lessons teach movement for life and health, while empowering people to become more truly and fully human.
Ngugi describes this book as 'a summary of some of the issues in which I have been passionately involved for the last twenty years of my practice in fiction, theatre, criticism and in teaching of literature. North America: Heinemann; Kenya: EAEP
In The Future of Ritual, Richard Schechner explores the nature of ritualised behaviour and its relationship to performance and politics. A brilliant and uncontainable examination of cultural expression and communal action, The Future of Ritual asks pertinent questions about art, theatre and the changing meaning of 'culture' in today's intercultural world. An exciting new work by the author of Performance Theory.
Printed one side only. Thesis (D. Litt et Phil.) - University of South Africa, 1970. Bibl.
Thesis (B.A. Hons.) - University of Zululand, 1988. Bibl.
Between Theatre and Anthropology. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press
- R Schechner
- H S Schoeman
SCHECHNER, R. 1985. Between Theatre and Anthropology. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press. SCHOEMAN, H.S. 1982. Spel in die Kultuur van Sekere Natalse Nguni. Pretoria: Universiteit van Suid-Afrika.
Towards an Understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style. Unpublished paper, Symposium on Ethnomusicology, Rhodes University. CLEGG, J. 1996. Telephone Conversation Ritual Performance and Theatre with Special Reference to Zulu Ceremonial
- M Carlson
- Routledge
- J Clegg
- L Dalrymple
CARLSON, M. 1996. Performance: A Critical Introduction. London: Routledge. CLEGG, J. 1981. Towards an Understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style. Unpublished paper, Symposium on Ethnomusicology, Rhodes University. CLEGG, J. 1996. Telephone Conversation. Interviewed by M-H. Coetzee. COPLAN, D. 1985. In Township Tonight. Johannesburg: Ravan Press. DALRYMPLE, L. 1983. Ritual Performance and Theatre with Special Reference to Zulu Ceremonial. MA thesis, University of Natal. DALRYMPLE, L. 1987. Explorations in Drama, Theatre and Education. PhD dissertation, University of Natal. ELLIOT, A. 1978. Sons of Zulu. Johannesburg: Collins.
Zulu Stick Fighting African Heritage Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature
- G M Stewart
- H Coetzee
- B Tyrell
- P Jurgens
- Africa Ltd
- N Wa Thiong 'o
STEWART, G. 1996. Zulu Stick Fighting. Interviewed by M-H. Coetzee. TYRELL, B. and JURGENS, P. 1983. African Heritage. Johannesburg: Macmillan South Africa Ltd. WA THIONG'O, N. 1994. Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. London: James Curry. Downloaded by [The University of Texas at El Paso] at 03:41 31 December 2014
Black Theatre, Dance and Ritual in South Africa
- P Larlham
LARLHAM, P. 1985. Black Theatre, Dance and Ritual in South Africa. Michigan: UMI
Research Press.
1996. The Intercultural Performance Reader
- Durban
Durban: Natal Flora Publications. PAVIS, P. (ed.). 1996. The Intercultural Performance Reader. London: Routledge.
A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology: The Secret Art of The Performer The Zulu People: As They Were Before the White Man Came
- E Savarese
- N Routledge
- A T Bryant
References BARBA, E. and Savarese, N. 1994. A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology: The Secret Art of The Performer. London: Routledge. BRYANT, A.T. 1949. The Zulu People: As They Were Before the White Man Came. Pietermaritzburg: Shooter and Shooter.
The Development of African Drama Downloaded by [The University of Texas at El Paso] at 03:41 31 The Novel and Contemporary Experience in Africa A Survey of Xhosa Drama
- M Etherton
- A S Gakwandi
- Heinemann
- L Gunner
- M Gwala
ETHERTON, M. 1982. The Development of African Drama. London: Hutchinson & Co. Downloaded by [The University of Texas at El Paso] at 03:41 31 December 2014 GAKWANDI, A.S. 1980. The Novel and Contemporary Experience in Africa. London: Heinemann. GUNNER, L., and Gwala, M. 1994. Musho: Zulu Popular Praises. Johannesburg: Witwatersrand University Press. JAFTA, D. N. 1978. A Survey of Xhosa Drama. MA thesis, University of Zululand.
A Study of Diverging and Converging Points Between Ritual Drama and Contemporary Drama with Special Reference to Zulu Rituals Unpublished research essay
- M F Mkhonza
- Zululand
- P Mnqayi
MKHONZA, M.F. 1984. A Brief Analysis of Zulu Drama. Unpublished research essay, University of Zululand. MLOTSHWA, N. 1988. A Study of Diverging and Converging Points Between Ritual Drama and Contemporary Drama with Special Reference to Zulu Rituals. Unpublished research essay, University of Zululand. MNQAYI, P. 1998. Zulu Stick Fighting. Private Conversation. MZOBE, S.B. 1996. Zulu Stick Fighting. Interviewed by M-H. Coetzee. NDABA, W.J. 1996. Zulu Stick Fighting. Interviewed by M-H. Coetzee. NTULI, J.H. 1996. Zulu Stick Fighting. Interviewed by M-H. Coetzee. POOLEY, E. 1993. The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei.
The Zulu People: As They Were Before the White Man Came
- A T Bryant
BRYANT, A.T. 1949. The Zulu People: As They Were Before the White Man Came.
Pietermaritzburg: Shooter and Shooter.
Towards an Understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style. Unpublished paper
- J Clegg
CLEGG, J. 1981. Towards an Understanding of African Dance: The Zulu Isishameni Style.
Unpublished paper, Symposium on Ethnomusicology, Rhodes University.
Telephone Conversation
- J Clegg
CLEGG, J. 1996. Telephone Conversation. Interviewed by M-H. Coetzee.
Ritual Performance and Theatre with Special Reference to Zulu Ceremonial
- L Dalrymple
DALRYMPLE, L. 1983. Ritual Performance and Theatre with Special Reference to Zulu
Ceremonial. MA thesis, University of Natal.
Explorations in Drama, Theatre and Education
- L Dalrymple
DALRYMPLE, L. 1987. Explorations in Drama, Theatre and Education. PhD dissertation,
University of Natal.
The Development of African Drama. London: Hutchinson & Co. Downloaded by
- M Etherton
ETHERTON, M. 1982. The Development of African Drama. London: Hutchinson & Co.
Downloaded by [University of Pretoria] at 08:51 10 February 2016
A Survey of Xhosa Drama
- D N Jafta
JAFTA, D. N. 1978. A Survey of Xhosa Drama. MA thesis, University of Zululand.
Fighting Sticks. Video Cassette, SABC Production
- B Leitch
LEITCH, B. Fighting Sticks. Video Cassette, SABC Production.
A Brief Analysis of Zulu Drama
- M F Mkhonza
MKHONZA, M.F. 1984. A Brief Analysis of Zulu Drama. Unpublished research essay,
University of Zululand.
Zulu Stick Fighting. Private Conversation
- P Mnqayi
MNQAYI, P. 1998. Zulu Stick Fighting. Private Conversation.
The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Natal
- E Pooley
- Transkei Zululand
- Durban
POOLEY, E. 1993. The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei.
Durban: Natal Flora Publications.
The Intercultural Performance Reader
- P Pavis
PAVIS, P. (ed.). 1996. The Intercultural Performance Reader. London: Routledge.