The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is not just a place of academic pursuit but also a vibrant hub for cultural and social interaction. One of the most prominent and cherished traditions among students at UWC is playing dominoes. This game, rich in cultural significance and community bonding, echoes through the halls and outdoor spaces of the University, especially in the Student Centre.
Many students at UWC share a similar story: learning to play dominoes in their family backyards, usually during family gatherings. For many coloured students, dominoes are a family tradition, a game learned by watching older family members play with stealth and skill. This tradition carries over to university life, where dominoes become a means of connecting with fellow students and making new friends.
The throwing of domino bricks is a rite of passage at UWC. As the second semester is in full swing on campus, so is the rivalry between domino teams. As the music and laughter filter through the centre, so does the knocking of domino bricks. According to first-year Industrial Psychology student, Tatum Baugaard, dominoes are not just a game but part of her culture.
“I learned to play in my mother’s backyard. I think it’s a coloured thing. We learn to play dominoes in the yard at a braai, and you watch older family members play,” said Baugaard. The game of dominoes has also helped her with the transition to university. “I have made friends at university, thanks to the game. Dominoes is how you connect with people; it’s a space of interaction among the students, and then you have to use your brain to read the other person at the table. We call it telepathic energy. It’s entertaining.”
Second-year BCom Financial Accounting student, Matthew Petersen, sees dominoes as more than just a game; it’s about being victorious: “All my friends at UWC were met at the Student Center because of dominoes. We honestly feel like we have the best dominoes players in South Africa at this university. Every time we come to the Student Center to play, it’s like arriving for a tournament, a competition, and a break from our studies.”
Nina Visser, a third-year Pharmacy student, started learning the game on campus when she was in her second year. When she has a break, she unwinds in the student centre over a game of dominoes with her friends.
“It's nice. It gets your brain working and thinking out of the box,” said Visser.
Similarly, BCom Accounting student, Kwanele Makhaba, learned the game on campus. He said the game not only helps him unwind but also helps him make friends and build relationships.
“We play it every chance we get. When we have a break for 45 minutes we come to the Student Centre, settle down and play as much as we can. Even though we play, we don’t let it stop us from attending classes and doing our work,” said Makhaba.
According to Britannica, dominoes originated in China in the 10th century.
“Western dominoes were first recorded in the mid-18th century in Italy and France and were apparently introduced into England by French prisoners toward the end of the 18th century. They are most commonly used for playing positional games. In positional games each player in turn places a domino edge to edge against another in such a way that the adjacent faces are either identical (e.g., 5 to 5) or form some specified total,” the article revealed.
Dominoes at UWC is a blend of tradition, social interaction, and strategic play. It is a game that entertains and builds community, sharpens minds, and upholds a rich cultural legacy.
