A Khayelitsha man teaching imparts knowledge through chess

Chess has the power to change children’s attitudes, Sidwell Mayekiso can attest to this.

Mayekiso is the founder of the 2 Knights Chess Club at Impendulo Primary School in Khayelitsha.

The club was founded almost six years ago as an extra-curricular programme designed to take children away from the streets and crime but it has produced champions since its inception.

“I wish there could be more tournaments. It’s my dream that one day we can host a [big] tournament in Khayelitsha. There is something that is good in Khayelitsha. If we keep on doing the good things, even the crime is going to get low. If you keep kids around the sport they won’t go for crime. If they are always doing something after school, extra activities, they won’t engage in crime.

The club said its chess activities can help children with academic performance as it helps them to focus and increases concentrate levels.

Some of the children from Impendulo who took part in the chess classes are now professional players who have competed on world chess tournaments.

Mayekiso told the New Frame that two players of the chess club were chosen to represent South Africa in South America, but Covid-19 travel restrictions prevented them from going.

“It was not an easy thing, it was very painful. I hope that from the players that I have, maybe one of them is going to do the same,” Mayekiso said. Because of the success of the Impendulo chess club, Mayekiso then started other branches such as the Noxolo Xawuka Primary School, Chris Hani High School, and Harry Gwala High School in the Western Cape Province with the hopes of reaching more children.

More than 150 learners have excelled in the programme thus far, according to the club.

The New Frame that reported that his coaching work has won him awards.

In 2017, he won the regional body Chess Western Province for Chess Development School as well as the Western Cape Top Schools Champion in 2019.

“What always inspires me is when the teachers come to me and say this kid, when he started playing chess, everything changed. He is focusing, concentrating and also good at mathematics. You find that all the kids who are top in mathematics are also those who are playing chess. It’s very good for young brains.”

Editor’s note:

Sidwell Mayekiso is passionate about instilling life skills and valuable information that no money can buy – respecting time through chess.

Description:

The club was founded almost six years ago as an extra-curricular programme designed to take children away from the streets and crime but it has produced champions since its inception.

Editor: Anirlé de Meyer

Project manager: Anirlé de Meyer