Marginalized Knowledge: An Agenda for Indigenous Knowledge Development and Integration with Other Forms of Knowledge

INTRODUCTION

This paper is about the provision of recreation facilities for the youth in Umlazi township – KwaZulu-Natal - Durban. Its foundation among others is based on The Reconstruction and Development Programme (1994) and the South African White Paper on Sport and Recreation (1995 & 1998) that have placed emphasis on the involvement of youth in recreation related activities. Both the White Paper on Sport and Recreation (1995 & 1998) and the Reconstruction and Development Programme (1994) had in turn indirectly compelled various South African municipalities of townships to see to it that their areas of operation are provided with recreation facilities and relevant societal recreation programmes.
2. OBJECTIVES

The three objectives around which this revolves are:

• 
  to establish the extent to which the youth in Umlazi Township are both exposed and involved in recreation activities;
  
• 
  to determine the levels of recreation provision of facilities for the youth; and
  
• 
  to establish the perceptions of the youth towards policies related to the provision and management of recreation facilities and activities within the study area.
  

3. HYPOTHESES

The operational hypothesis upon which the paper based its findings was that:

1. 
   The inadequate provision of recreation facilities and programmes for the youth in Umlazi township has a negative impact on their behaviour.
   
2. 
   The lack of relevant recreation programmes for the youth in Umlazi leads to the youth neglecting the existing recreation facilities.
   
3. 
   The youth in Umlazi Township are not adequately exposed to policies related to the provision and management of recreation facilities and activities within the study area.