Under the guidance of Mike Pantsi, young people with intellectual disabilities from Gqeberha’s New Brighton learned far more than strategy — they discovered confidence, focus, and belonging during chess time.
Pantsi, known locally as a community builder and mentor, runs a unique chess initiative at Indlela Mental Health, a nonprofit organisation that had supported people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities since 1939.
Each week, in a modest container classroom or beneath the shade of a tree, Pantsi’s pupils gather to play — turning a simple game into a life lesson.
He told Daily Maverick that his journey began with personal loss. After the death of his only child, Pantsi vowed to continue nurturing the children of his community.
“They are mine too,” he said.
At Indlela, his chess programme complements the organisation’s other community-based initiatives — Ilizwi, which promoted social inclusion; Siyaphambili, which provided residential psychosocial rehabilitation; and Masakhane, which focused on youth skills development.
Together, these initiatives built pathways toward independence, inclusion, and empowerment.
When Pantsi introduced chess to the learners, he had never before worked with people with disabilities.
“Their bright minds were calling me,” he said.
“What I found exceeded my expectations — they had focus, patience, and incredible potential.”
For him, the game carried deep meaning, he explained that it has black and white pieces, and both must move together strategically — that’s how life should be.
“It teaches unity, respect, and inclusion,” he explained.
Beyond teaching the rules, he uses chess to explore themes like gender equality, reminding the boys that “in chess, the queen must be protected — just like in life.”
Sanchia Matthysen, director of Indlela Mental Health, said Pantsi’s work perfectly complements the organisation’s mission.
“Chess placed everyone on equal footing,” she explained.
“Even with learning challenges, our young people were part of the game — and part of society. It helped them think ahead, make decisions, and recognise that every move mattered.”
The impact was visible.
Bukho Bongela (19) joined the programme for the snacks but stayed for the lessons.
“I realised chess is like life — every move has consequences,” he said
For Khazimla Vusani (19), who once played only on his phone, switching to a real board changed everything:
“No pop-ups, no distractions — just thinking.”
What began as one man’s personal mission became a quiet revolution of learning and love.
Through each move, these young players did not just learn chess — they reclaimed confidence, built community, and reshaped inclusion in New Brighton.
Description: Mike Pantsi turned his personal loss into a mission to empower young people with intellectual disabilities in Gqeberha. Through his chess initiative at Indlela Mental Health, he taught strategy, confidence, and social inclusion, helping learners develop life skills and rebuild hope in their community.
Editor’s Note: Mike Pantsi’s story showed how small acts of compassion could spark lasting change. His chess programme demonstrated how creativity and empathy could bridge divides, empower youth with disabilities, and restore hope in under-resourced communities.
Editor: Thato Mahlangu
Project manager: Do4SA
