The
inaugural MANDELA 67MIN CHESS was held over two days on 19th to 20th July 2014 at Berea Primary School in Durban SA. From as young as
5 years old to more senior citizens, from amateurs to International
Masters, from Jo'burg to East London, from Malawi to Zimbabwe, black
and white all descended down to South Africa’s warmest place, Ethekwini – all to play in the very first chess tournament
named ‘MANDELA 67MIN CHESS’. No one wanted to miss out on this
historic chess tournament, the first one ever to be played in honour
of one man who was larger than life, gone but certainly not
forgotten, a man who dedicated his life to the struggle of a better
life for all – Dr Nelson
Rolihlahla Mandela.
 |
| Thabiso Junior Ramatsepiso (12yrs) from JHB shakes hands with Lance Leslie Smith (11yrs) DBN |
What
is unique and special about this tournament is the fact that 67
minutes is actually being set on the chess clock – What this means
is that each player will emulate Mandela’s ‘long
walk to freedom’
on the chess board by taking only 67min to conquer their opponent.
“Chess is life” - just like life, chess has got its ups and
downs, but if you play well you will emerge victorious. In chess the
playing field is leveled, chess is indeed a great equalizer.
 |
Honour
and pride, all to play for
|
The
tournament ‘MANDELA 67MIN CHESS’ will be played every year around
the month of July. The idea is to align this tournament with Madiba’s
month of birth – July, as people around the world celebrate
‘Mandela Day’
on 18 July by giving of their time to do something for others in
order to make the world a better place for all – KZN
CHESS ASSOCIATION
will use this chess initiative to fundraise for the disadvantaged
community schools and for special projects aimed at promoting women
and physically challenged chess. MANDELA 67MIN CHESS is aimed at
promoting unity, positive change and advancing the ideals of a nation
living together in harmony while at the same time using the
opportunity to further popularize chess in South Africa.
 |
Happy
faces after a struggle of 67 minutes
|
Youngsters
can never complain when paired with an older opponent, age has got no
advantage whatsoever when it comes to chess. The Mandela 67MIN CHESS is a rated tournament and open to all regardless of ones rating or
age, however, age group prizes are awarded. The overall winner walks
away with a gold medal, a big trophy and some of course a handsome
cheque!
 |
Age
is just a number – Thabiso Junior Ramatseliso 12yrs (right)
mesmerized one of the veteran chess players Zithulele Petros Ntombela
(left) with his solid moves, after a long walk - the young Thabiso walked away with a win!
|
We
read that former President Nelson Mandela was a chess player and that
he used to play a lot of chess while he was jailed in Robben Island. In fact, he even ordered a chess book. Many political prisoners also
played chess - President Jacob Zuma who served his 10 years in Robben
Island is amongst those who became passionate about the game of
chess. President Zuma’s continued support in promoting chess has
contributed in popularizing chess especially in SA’s townships and
rural areas.
 |
Joseph
Mwale (left) Malawi international now residing in KZN versus IM Rodwell
Makoto (right) Zimbabwe international now residing in Jo'burg. Joseph
edged Rodwell on tiebreak to claim the 1st MANDELA 67MIN CHESS trophy as the two ended with a score of 6.5/7
|
Those
who missed out on this year’s tournament will have to wait another
12 months before they can make their names in the history book. The
organizers will have a headache finding a bigger venue as numbers are
expected to increase in next year’s tournament. Sponsors are
encouraged to come on board and support this initiative led by KZN
CHESS ASSOCIATION.
 |
Everybody wanted a MANDELA
67MIN CHESS T-shirt
|
The convener of Commonwealth
Chess Championships 2013 from Nelson Mandela Bay – Dr Brian van Zyl - provided much needed support, his generous sponsorship made it
possible for KZN CHESS ASSOCIATION to launch this tournament.
 |
Sandile
Xulu – President of KZN Chess Association (left), Mrs Williams –
Principal of Berea Primary School (right)
|
Many
thanks to all the sponsors, partners and individuals who joined hands with KZN CHESS ASSOCIATION for making the inaugural MANDELA
67MIN CHESS such a great success.
Sponsors
and partners:
Berea Primary School, Dr Brian van Zyl, Mr Rajiv Jaynath –
Bhekaphambili Geo-Contractors, Tsogo Sun – Garden Court, Vellan
Moodley - ‘In Your Dreams’, Erick Takawira Chess initiative
Article
by – Sandile Xulu
