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CHESS SA WISHES UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA TEAM SUCCESS AT THE FIDE WORLD UNIVERSITY TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 IN KAZAKHSTAN

Chess South Africa (CHESS SA) proudly extends its best wishes to the University of Pretoria Chess Team as they represent South Africa at the prestigious FIDE World University Team Chess Championships 2026, taking place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 4–9 August 2026.

The FIDE World University Team Chess Championships bring together some of the strongest university chess teams from around the world. The 2026 edition will see more than 80 of the best university chess players from 16 leading universities competing for international honours, highlighting the continued growth and global recognition of university chess.

South Africa will be proudly represented by the University of Pretoria team consisting of:

1. Michal Oosthuizen
2. Devon Smit
3. Hayley Nel
4. Rowan Gownder
5. Yoshua Smit

The team will be guided by Team Captain Dr Dennis Moyo, whose leadership and experience will provide valuable support throughout this international campaign.

The championship will be hosted at the Farabi Hub in Almaty, a modern international venue equipped to host major global events and provide participants with a world-class competitive environment.

CHESS SA President said:

“Representing South Africa on the world stage is a great honour and responsibility. We are extremely proud of the University of Pretoria team and the commitment they have shown in preparing for this prestigious championship. We wish our players and team captain success as they compete against some of the best university chess players globally.”

The participation of South African university players at international events such as this reflects the important role chess plays in developing critical thinking, discipline, leadership, and academic excellence among young people.

CHESS SA encourages the entire chess community to support the UP team as they carry the hopes and pride of South Africa in Kazakhstan.

We wish the team:

• Excellent preparation
• Strong performances
• Memorable experiences
• Success throughout the championship

Go well, Team UP! Make South Africa proud!

This Women’s Day, Chess South Africa invites women and girls from across the chess community to share their stories, experiences and dreams.

Record a short video answering the five questions featured on our campaign poster. Your story could inspire another girl to begin her chess journey, believe in herself and make her next big move.

Video requirements:

1. Record your video using your phone
2. Record in vertical format only
3. Resolution: 1080 × 1920 or 720 × 1280
4. Keep your video between 1 and 2 minutes maximum
5. Upload the video to your own Facebook page or profile and tag Chess South Africa

Please make sure your video is clear, recorded in a quiet environment and that you speak from the heart. It does not need to be perfect, it simply needs to be authentically you.

Let your voice be heard this Women’s Day and help us inspire the next generation of women in chess.

Elected Vice President of the African Chess Confederation

Chess South Africa proudly congratulates President Andre Lewaks on his election as Vice President of the African Chess Confederation (ACC).

In this role, President Lewaks will serve alongside the newly elected President, Bernard Wanjala. We extend our sincere congratulations to President Wanjala on his election and wish him every success as he leads African chess into an exciting new era.

President Lewaks’ election is a testament to his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and commitment to the growth of chess, not only in South Africa but across the African continent.

This achievement is a proud moment for South African chess, and we are confident that his experience and passion will make a meaningful contribution to the continued development of chess across Africa.

We wish both President Bernard Wanjala and Vice President Andre Lewaks wisdom, strength, and every success in their new leadership roles.

Africa Chess is moving forward!

Congratulations, President Bernard Wanjala and Vice President Andre Lewaks!

From: Chess South Africa (CHESS SA)

PROUDLY SUPPORTING PRESIDENT ANDRE LEWAKS

CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT – AFRICA CHESS CONFEDERATION (ACC)

Experience | Integrity | Development | Unity

Chess South Africa proudly stands behind President Andre Lewaks as a candidate for Vice President of the Africa Chess Confederation under Team Bernard Wanjala.

With a proven record of leadership, commitment and service to the chess community, President Lewaks represents a new chapter of strong governance, inclusive growth and greater opportunities for chess across Africa.

His vision is built on:

1. Strengthening African Chess Federations
2. Developing young chess talent and future champions
3. Promoting good governance and transparency
4. Creating opportunities for players, coaches and officials
5. Building a united African chess family

A stronger Africa needs visionary leaders & a stronger chess future needs committed leadership. Vote President Andre Lewaks for ACC Vice President Candidate.

Team Bernard Wanjala – Building Africa Through Chess: One Africa | One Chess Family | One Stronger Future

“There are more adventures on a chessboard than on all the seas of the world.” – Pierre Mac Orlan

Today, Chess South Africa celebrates every player who sets out on this remarkable adventure, one move, one challenge and one unforgettable game at a time.

May chess continue to bring you joy, inspire new dreams and connect you with players across South Africa and around the world.

Happy International Chess Day from Chess South Africa!!

More Than Chess | Building Better Coaches | Developing Better Players.

The Chess SA Certification Programme is already making a significant impact and the best way to understand that impact is through the voices of those who experienced the training themselves.

Participants have shared how the programme has helped them improve their communication, better understand barriers to learning, use digital coaching tools more effectively, lead with positive control, and approach player development with greater structure and purpose.

These themes were brought to life during the Train the Trainers Coaching Workshop held in Bloemfontein, Free State, from 17 to 19 July 2026. The three-day programme brought together coaches, teachers, club leaders and chess enthusiasts from the Free State and Northern Cape, with a strong focus on practical coaching methodology, lesson planning, player development, communication and the effective use of modern training tools.

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity not only to strengthen their own coaching knowledge, but also to reflect on how they can create more structured, supportive and impactful learning environments within their schools, clubs and communities. The feedback shared by participants highlights the value of combining formal certification with practical, real-world coaching development.

Through initiatives such as this, Chess South Africa continues to build a stronger national coaching pathway and equip those working at grassroots level with the skills needed to develop the next generation of players.

Success Stories | Chess SA National Coaching Registry: The Chess SA Certification Programme

Chess South Africa’s National Coaching Programme brings together teachers and trainers from the Free State and Northern Cape for a practical Coach Certification Weekend at Bins Lodge in Bloemfontein, Free State, from 17 to 19 July 2026.

Over the weekend, participants will learn how to plan effective lessons, coach and motivate learners, set meaningful goals, communicate with parents, and run chess clubs and tournaments.

No advanced chess experience is required, only a willingness to learn, teach and help grow the game.

Participants will complete practical assessments and an online test as they work towards an official Chess SA coaching certificate.

Coach the coaches. Empower the teachers. Grow chess across South Africa.

Today, Chess South Africa joins the nation in celebrating Mandela Day and honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Madiba reminded us that each of us has the power to make a difference. Through chess, we have the opportunity to build stronger communities, inspire young minds, empower others and create opportunities for the next generation.

As we celebrate Mandela Day, let us make our 67 minutes count, on and off the chessboard.

May every move we make contribute towards a stronger, more united and brighter South Africa.

Happy Mandela Day to all our chess players, clubs, regions, volunteers, parents and supporters across the country.

Together, let’s use chess to create a better tomorrow.

In June 2026, various clubs under the leadership of Chess Western Province registered for the Cape Town chess league.

I am very excited to play this year as I took a sabbatical in 2025, but this year I am again looking forward to participating in the league.

This year an incredible 72 teams have registered for the City league! The league commences at the end of July.

A fresh push to bring chess into classrooms across Africa took shape in Cape Town during the African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and ISCF President Timur Turlov attended the event where meetings focused on teacher training, school leagues, national coordination and the role chess can play in giving more children access to structured learning opportunities.

During the event, meetings were held with chess officials from several countries, including South Africa, Eswatini and Namibia. The key focus of the discussion was how chess can have a more prominent role in societies across the African continent.

Read more: https://www.fide.com/a-new-african-push-for-chess-in-education/

International School Chess Federation