The Coega Development Corporation’s (CDC) commitment to the development of “strategic young minds has secured a place for two young chess teams from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal at this year’s Commonwealth Chess Tournament.
The tournament will be hosted at The Boardwalk International Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth this week.
The CDC’s move forms part of its corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives – and the development of critical skills for future leaders.
Chess development in African communities is one of nine pre-identified Coega CSI programmes. “There are a number of benefits to playing chess, particularly for the youth,” said Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC head of marketing and communications, explaining the company’s endorsement of both an 80 member team from Nelson Mandela Bay and its support of 10 members from the Jacob Zuma (JZ) Chess Team from Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal.
“There are significant cognitive and intellectual benefits, including complex thinking which the youth need to meet the challenges of modern life. Chess helps with the development of analytical, synthetic and decision-making skills while also enhancing higher-order thinking and helping young people literally look before they leap by analysing actions and consequences and visualizing future possibilities and outcomes.”
Other benefits, Vilakazi believes, include motivation to become willing problem solvers and logical thinkers, facilitating insight into the nature of competition and the ability to recognise complex mental patterns.
“There are also a number of critical social benefits such as the development of self-esteem, confidence and respect for self and others, improved communication and interpersonal skills, team spirit and an appreciation for the value of hard work and concentration,” he added.
“The CDC has an increasing presence in KwaZulu-Natal, through our schools building programme with the Department of Education, and a number of other infrastructure upgrade initiatives,” added Vilakazi.
“It therefore makes sense to also contribute to socio-economic development in our neighbouring province and to provide CSI support to bright young minds. We are delighted to continue to contribute towards the socio-economic development in areas in which operate.”
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) recently awarded the rights to host the 19th edition of the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2013 to South Africa, under the auspices of Chess South Africa (CHESSA). The tournament will attract a strong field of more than 800 local and international chess players and is open to chess players from any of the 54 Commonwealth member countries. Gary Kasparov, one of the greatest chess players in history, who has retired from competitive chess, will also spend three days at the tournament.
The tournament will be run concurrently with the South African Open Chess Championship, the Nelson Mandela Bay Open Chess Championship and the South African Open Blitz Chess Championship. The organisers are also making it possible for maximum participation by young South African players and will expose more than 150 school pupils from previously disadvantaged communities to top level tournament chess and international level players.
President Jacob Zuma will attend the closing ceremony of the tournament on July 14.
Alan Straton
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