ARE ‘DIKETO’ A THING OF THE PAST?

By: Sylvester Raraza
Twitter: @Sylvester_tut 
Email: sylvesterraraza@gmail.com

A report commissioned by WP Engine ( https://wpengine.com/ ) found that generation z (people born between 1997-to-2012) is, “… inextricably tied to the digital world, and the way they identify with it is rooted in their deep connection and familiarity with the Internet.” To simplify this statement, the report found that generation z is the most internet connected generation in history and their world views and thinking are influenced by the digital world.

The relevance of this information is prompted by the fact that kids nowadays do not feel the need to go outside, play and muddy their clothes a little – all they do is sit on the couch, eat and play with their smartphones and computers all day. What happened to playing ‘diketo’?

People who were born before generation z are children of diketo. Diketo is an indigenous game played mostly in South Africa and Lesotho, other African countries up north play it as well. Diketo was popular amongst young children, particularly township kids. This game is part of the Western Cape government’s Sport and Recreation programme of ‘Indigenous Games Promotion and Training’. Volunteers are trained in indigenous games like diketo, and tournaments are hosted where such games are played and promoted.


Picture: Hindu Stan Times

Here is how diketo is played: a player (usually one player of two) uses a small stone, pebble or marble to throw into the air, and then tries to take out as many stones as possible from a circle drawn on the surface on which (the floor mostly) the game is played, before they quickly catch the stone that was initially thrown. Then they put the stones back into the circle, leaving one stone at a time as their earned point.

The trick is that the stone thrown into the air must not fall away from the person throwing it, because if it does, the other player is given a chance to play and does the same process repeatedly. The winner is determined by how many points (stones) a player has, compared to the other player, and the person with the most points is declared the winner.

Picture: Jacarandafm

Diketo is not just a game for fun and entertainment. A study by the University of the Free State (UFS) found that indigenous games like diketo can be used to teach children mathematical problem-solving skills and enhance their understanding of abstract mathematical concepts. Playing games like diketo must be instilled in children because they educate, entertain and pleasure kids’ minds.


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