BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya has been appointed Patron of the Eswatini Chess Federation (ECF), placing greater national focus on the role of chess in developing critical thinking, innovation and the next generation of leaders.
The appointment comes as Eswatini continues to promote initiatives aimed at equipping young people with skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.
As Patron, Minister Maziya will support the promotion and development of chess as a platform for youth empowerment, intellectual growth and innovation.
Chess is widely recognised for strengthening strategic thinking, concentration, discipline, problem-solving and decision-making – skills that are valuable not only in competition but also in education, business, technology and everyday life.
“Chess teaches us to think ahead, to consider possibilities and to make informed decisions. These are the same qualities we need to drive innovation and build a smart, resilient and future ready Eswatini,” said Maziya.
The Eswatini Chess Federation, established in 2006 and affiliated to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 2011, is the national body responsible for promoting and developing the sport in the country.
Over the years, the federation has expanded chess through schools, clubs, tournaments and youth development programmes, providing young EmaSwati with opportunities to develop their abilities and compete at different levels.
Eswatini has also made its presence felt on the international chess stage. Among the country’s notable achievements was a gold medal in the women’s category at the 2022 World Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
The achievement demonstrated the potential within the country’s chess fraternity and highlighted the importance of continued investment in the development of young talent.
Minister Maziya’s appointment further strengthens the connection between intellectual development and the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The Ministry of ICT recognises that preparing young people for the future requires more than access to technology. It also requires the development of analytical thinking, creativity, confidence and the ability to make informed decisions.
Chess provides a practical environment where these qualities can be developed. Players are required to assess situations, anticipate their opponents’ moves, consider different possibilities and make decisions with long-term consequences in mind.
These skills can translate into other areas of life, helping young people approach challenges with greater confidence and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
The federation’s work in schools and communities therefore remains important in creating an environment where young people can discover and develop their talents while gaining skills that extend beyond the chessboard.
The appointment of Minister Savannah Maziya as Patron is expected to further raise the profile of chess in Eswatini and encourage more young people to embrace the game as a pathway to intellectual growth, discipline and innovation.
It also reinforces the message that investing in the minds of young EmaSwati is an investment in the country’s future.
As Eswatini works towards building a smart, resilient and digitally ready nation, initiatives that cultivate strategic thinking and creativity will remain critical in preparing young people to become the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow.
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(Courtesy Pic)
