Cape Town chess tournament opens doors for young players

Young chess players from across Cape Town libraries have been recognised for their achievements following the 2026 Chess@Libraries Tournament, an initiative that uses the game to promote learning, confidence and personal development.

In the developmental section for first-time and beginner players, Banele Mbatha from Cape Town Central Library took first place, while Tom Lunga from Masiphumelele Library finished second.

The tournament has highlighted the growing role of chess in public libraries across the city, where the game is being used to help young people develop concentration, analytical thinking, decision-making and confidence.

Beyond the competition, the initiative also aims to create opportunities for learners to explore their potential in mathematics, problem-solving and STEM-related fields.

Among the initiative’s partners are the St Columbus Trust, HG Transport and Game Changers NPC, which uses chess to identify and develop learners’ abilities in mathematics, problem-solving and STEM.

Supported by Ward Councillor Emile Langenhoven, the Chess@Libraries Tournament has also developed into a broader educational initiative.

Langenhoven, a founding member of Game Changers NPC, said the 2026 city finals brought together young competitors from libraries in largely under-resourced communities.

Through a partnership with the Schools Turnaround Foundation, 30 of the participating learners will receive a full year of mathematics tutoring in 2027.

The participating libraries included Avondale, Bellville, Central, Crossroads, Delft, Du Noon, Durbanville, Goodwood, Gordon’s Bay, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Harare, Heideveld, Kensington, Khayelitsha, Kloof Street, Koeberg, Kraaifontein, Langa, Lentegeur, Maitland, Mamre, Masiphumelele, Meadowridge, Moses Mabhida, Nazeema Isaacs, Parow, Pinelands, Rocklands, Scottsdene, Southfield, Tafelsig, Tokai, Town Centre, Weltevreden, Woodstock and Wynberg libraries.

The tournament demonstrates how public library programmes can extend beyond recreation, providing young people with opportunities to develop skills that can support their academic journeys and future ambitions.

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