Board game sports tokoloshes, tsotsis, sangomas
CAMPING trips to the bush, a close relationship with her nanny and wanting to share South African culture with friends abroad are some of the things that inspired entrepreneur Tzvia Hermann to create a unique board game, “African Family Queen”.
Hermann told Business Report the idea struck in the depths of lockdown.
The hard-working mother and entrepreneur said that her husband and children enjoyed playing games together as a family.
“We play family games before bed every night. We also love the bush. We try to spend as much time during school holidays teaching our kids about the bush and wildlife. We go for romantic getaways to different lodges. Whenever we travel without the kids, we always want to bring home a little something.
“Looking around tourist shops, I noticed that there are not many South African games. Even malls, toy shops and curio shops at airports lack games.
“One can find all the usual African goodies. From ostrich eggs to wooden salad servers and beaded memorabilia but nothing really kids would love and use.
“There is nothing that really captures the essence of our rainbow nation and gives a tourist a little of South Africa to take home,” Hermann said.
She went on to say that during lockdown, and the height of all the horrific gender-based violence experienced in South Africa, she felt it was important to teach children that women are valuable.
“Although the game is lighthearted and fun, it sends a strong message of how valuable women are in our society as well as how men and women can unite with a common goal of success,” Hermann says.
On basing the game on African culture, Hermann said she was close to her nanny growing up.
“I remember her telling me about the tokoloshe and about witchdoctors in her culture. I generally love learning about different religions and beliefs. I consider myself spiritual. It’s the spiritual aspects of religion I love learning about most. Our rainbow nation is made up of so many different cultures and beautiful beliefs. I tried to capture as much as I could in the game,” Hermann said.
Having just signed Exclusive Books and Tourvest as suppliers of the game, Hermann says she hopes the game will bring families together.
“I hope it creates healthy norms and beautiful memories. I would love the game to be played in schools, in homes and in the bush. I would love game rangers to play it with their guests. I think the game can be a great conversation starter and a useful tool to teach foreigners about our beautiful country,” Hermann told Business Report.
Giving Back
“We know that GBV (gender-based violence) stems from a history of deeply rooted gender inequality. It stems from harmful gender norms and stereotypes.
“We need to change these stereotypes and normalise the fact that women are valuable in society and that to win in the game of life we’re all playing, men and women need to work together. You need a King and Queen.
“There is no better way to teach and to create healthy new norms than through play,” the businesswoman said.
“I have partnered with a charity close to my heart, Afrika Tikkun, that I used to work for. Afrika Tikkun build community and childhood development centres in townships. I am hoping they adopt the game and offer it to corporates as Christmas gifts. All proceeds will go directly to Afrika Tikkun.”
While playing the game, you ca have a tokoloshe that you can set on an opponent or being able to scare away a tsotsi with your very own sangoma.
The game is said to help develop memory, strategy, bonds, and times tables.