Examining the balance between the formalization process of Indigenous games and the protection of cultural heritage: A case study of the South African Indigenous games project.

Global development strategies for Indigenous games have gradually driven their transformation into standardized sport, potentially altering their cultural essence. While research has primarily focused on documenting, classifying and formalizing these games, limited attention has been given to the institutional processes behind the regulations and their impact on cultural preservation. This research used narrative analysis to trace the historical marginalization and revival of South African Indigenous games, exploring the complexities in integrating them into formal institutions without compromising their cultural authenticity. Through an intrinsic case study approach, grounded in Institutional Work Theory, document analysis and stakeholder interviews were conducted. The findings demonstrate that formalization aligns with the broader socio-political goals of legitimizing Indigenous games within national policies and emphasizes the role of multi-level stakeholders in sustaining these games as instruments for cultural and socio-economic development. This research may inform policy frameworks and future discourse on sports and recreational development in Africa.