By Nomfundo Mbatha and Lindokuhle Fuba
The usually quiet halls of Nombulelo Secondary School came alive this past weekend with the silent intensity and roaring excitement of a chess tournament unlike any other. The Sarah Baartman District Chess Trials turned a modest township venue into a buzzing hub of brainpower, determination, and youthful spirit, showcasing how far a stake can go with the proper support.
This is not just a game, it’s a movement. In a region where divisions once kept “town” and “township” schools on separate boards, the Sarah Baartman Chess Union, in partnership with Sewelo Math’s and Chess Community Youth Academy, has shattered barriers, bringing children of all backgrounds together for one goal: to play chess, and play it well.
This event marked the third of three trials conducted in Makhanda this year. The initial trial occurred at St Andrews College on February 22nd, followed by the second at Hoerskool PJ Olivier on March 15th. The top 15 students from each age category across the three trials will receive invitations to compete in the district closed event in Graaff-Reinet on May 10th, 2025. The purpose of the closed event is to select a team that will represent the Sarah Baartman District at the Provincial Championships later this year.
“This is about unity. It’s about growth. And most importantly, it’s about opportunity,” said Jeremiah Sewelo, the interim president of the Sarah Baartman Chess Union and founder of the Sewelo Chess Academy. “Chess is doing more than making moves on the board. It’s also pushing for social change. With efforts to formally integrate chess into school curricula, particularly highlighting its academic benefits, logical thinking, patience, and problem-solving, the initiative is breaking stereotypes and expanding minds,” Sewelo emphasised.
Even more powerful is the growing focus on girl empowerment. “We want to see more girls not just playing but leading,” says Sowelo. Plans are underway for a Women’s Chess Tournament at Victoria Girls’ High this August, and the excitement is palpable.
Unlike many sports, chess in Sarah Baartman is truly inclusive. Thanks to an open section format, the trials welcomed all young children, community players, and even veteran chess lovers. “We’re not just building chess players. We’re building confidence, critical thinking, and future leaders,” said Petrus Stuurman, the Sarah Baartman Chess Union president.
While the passion is abundant, resources are not. Stuurman openly admits that many events are parent-funded, and there’s still a long road to adequate support from higher structures. But that has not slowed them down.
In 2023, five players even made the national team, with one competing in Greece, a feat that inspires others and proves that nurtured talent can cross oceans.
Nkiyasi Shordries, a grade 12 learner at Kingswood College, stated that chess improves her problem-solving skills and helps with mathematics since chess requires you to think ahead. Shordries began playing chess in Grade 1, initially taught by her Grade 1 teacher, and later received coaching from Coach KG from Grade 6 to 7. She disliked losing, saying it makes the experience less enjoyable. However, she finds reflecting on her mistakes after a game constructive, especially if a loss is due to another player’s superior skills. Shordries mentioned that she has no pre-game routine; she simply shows up to play.
A parent and also a chess player, William Gosha, commented to Grocott’s Mail that it is challenging to balance being a parent of young chess players and being a chess player himself. He emphasised the need to manage his time effectively. Gosha, who has a passion for chess, reconnected with it three years ago when he met Coach Sewelo, who encouraged him to play again after several years of inactivity. He has three kids who all play chess, and he actively motivates them to practice after school. He gives them 30 minutes of chess time and believes he needs to support them continuously; otherwise, they might lose interest.
