SOUTH AFRICAN STICK FIGHTING INTONGA RISING UP

By: Ethel Malatji

Email: ethelsiphiwe@gmail.com

A traditional form of stick fighting born of cattle herders in South Africa, is becoming a hit in townships. The game called Intonga used to be a rite of passage for young, rural Xhosa boys but it is now being used to keep teenagers away from gang violence and drugs. This game is not only educational but also honors our preservation skills.

photo of: zulu men fighting stick

This is a martial art traditionally practiced by teenagers and herd boys, Intonga is one of the very first sports in Africa to be initiated by Africans and it is practiced in Africa from Ethiopia to the Cape, but the rules differ.  

The sport of stick fighting is unique to the Xhosa tribe. When a Xhosa boy goes to initiation school, one of the skills he works on is of stick fighting. It is an ancient African art of deep cultural significance. A young Xhosa man who carries himself well with the stick gains a lot of respect. Former president Nelson Mandela, a Xhosa man, born and raised in the Eastern Cape was also taught Intonga by herd boys. He later wrote about this game in his book Long Walk to Freedom.

Zulus also practice Intonga as a way of entertainment. It is their custom that at a wedding, warriors from the bridegrooms" welcome warriors from the brides’ side to meet to get to know each other. Other groups of warriors are welcome to join in. Each combatant is armed with a long stick, one which is used for defense and the other for offense. Warriors do this by engaging in combat with one another. It is all in the name of good fun and building respect amongst warriors.

picture of :girls stick fighting

The ancient art of Intonga is now making a comeback in Cape town. A dozen clubs have sprung up, contests with prizes money up to R1000 rand are held most weekends.

Intonga stick fighting (photo Anders kelto)

“It reminds me of our old days when we were at home, the guys are not fighting really, they are just performing. The object is for two opposing warriors to fight each other to establish which of them is the strongest or the “Bull” (inkunzi). It’s a game they learned from their fathers and forefathers”, said Officer Nkosinathi Majola.

A 22 years old Nipho from the Department of Education said that Intonga fulfils an important role and cultural functions. It teaches discipline and focus. Growing up taking part in it has been a great experience and a way of respecting the culture.

Intonga is not something that has died out but something that we should be proud of as Africans and encourage young people to participate in it to become professional athletes.