Media Graduate Plays Presidential Chess

President Zuma expounds on the importance of chess.

On 23 December UKZN and Media & Cultural Studies alumnus Zarha Sayed led the Sisonke (Harry Gwala) district in their first appearance at the annual Jacob Zuma Nkandla chess tournament.  The tournament, which is run strictly by invitation, is hosted by President Zuma and the Nkandla Municipality to help showcase the talent of chess players from rural schools from around South Africa.

As district chairperson, Sayed was invited to bring ten children with her to play in the tournament.  She describes it as one of the most important chess tournaments in the country because it is given national coverage which helps to exhibit the development of rural chess players.

The tournament began with a speech by President Zuma who emphasised how important chess is in the development of strategic thinking as well as concentration, analytical skills and problem solving. 

Once the tournament had begun, the President demonstrated his own skills by playing with ten children simultaneously, including Sayed, who commented, that playing against President Zuma “was honestly the highlight of [her] chess journey”.

Zarha Sayed smiles as the President makes his move.

While the President was unable to finish all his matches due to time constraints, Sayed said that the entire experience was a privilege.  She was also particularly impressed by some of the younger players whose powers of concentration and strategic play gave the President quite a challenge.

While the Sisonke district did not win any prizes, Sayed exclaimed that “everyone played really well.  It was a really good opportunity [and] hopefully we will get something next year”.

This is an edited version of the original article