Chess@Libraries delivers bold moves
25 October 2025
The number of participants in the Chess@Libraries initiative has more than doubled since the first tournament in 2023. This year, 33 City libraries were represented.
The Chess@Libraries initiative is a collaboration between the City’s Library and Information Services Department and the Western Cape Chess Federation.
This year’s tournament finals, held on 9 October 2025 at the Parow Civic Centre, marked another milestone in the journey of embedding chess as a vibrant, community-driven programme in libraries across the city.
Chess has proven to be far more than a game - across more than 30 participating libraries, it has become a tool for developing concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while also creating opportunities for recreation and social connection.
More than half of the 102 City libraries now run regular chess clubs. On average, libraries host between three and five chess sessions per month, with no age limit or experience required.
In preparation for the annual Finals Tournament, qualifying rounds were held at more than 50 libraries between April and August. Local qualifiers in libraries such as Southfield, Gugulethu, Woodstock, and Elsies River drew over 50 participants, many of whom advanced to the city-wide finals.
This growth builds on the programme’s steady expansion since its inception: from 70 players in 19 libraries in 2023, to 120 players in 24 libraries in 2024, and now to more than 160 participants from 33 libraries in 2025.
The finals brought together dozens of representatives from libraries across Cape Town, with especially strong participation from Goodwood, Moses Mabhida, and Kensington. The event was made possible through the collaboration of library staff, volunteers, community partners, and the Western Province Chess Federation, who provided essential equipment and support.
At the conclusion of the finals, the top three winners were announced alongside the Best Female Player, highlighting both the level of talent and the inclusive spirit of the programme.
Their achievements underscore the opportunities chess provides for young people and community members alike to shine on a city-wide stage.
‘Our libraries continue to prove that they are some of the coolest spaces in our city, finding innovative ways of inspiring and developing young and old alike. This year, they introduced a developmental section for players representing libraries without formal ranking or extensive experience, as a way of motivating and developing them. The Chess@Libraries programme does not hold to specific age groups; instead we encourage keen or interested players from across the metro to visit their library and participate in this fantastic skill. Our youngest player this year was seven years old, and the oldest 71, proving that with chess, age is just a number,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
The tournament results were as follows:
Experienced Section
• 1st Place – Sandiso Kedama (22) from Crossroads Library
• 2nd Place – Roy Mutunhire (25) from Kraaifontein Library
• 3rd Place – Tezihani Mnyasta (20) from Parow Library
• Best Female Player – Courtney Musakwa (15) Athlone Library
Developmental Section:
• 1st Place – Kaden Michaels (12) from Rocklands Library
• 2nd Place – Damon Doidge (9) from Tokai Library
Plans are on the cards to continue expanding chess clubs, provide training initiatives for staff, and build stronger community partnerships.
‘By weaving chess into the fabric of library services, the City is fostering not only sharper minds, but also stronger communities. A special word of thanks to the library staff who worked tirelessly to prepare for and run the tournament, the Friends of the Library groups whose donations supported catering and prizes, and the many volunteers, YeBoneers, and community partners who helped with set-up, registration, and smooth coordination on the day. Their collective effort made the 2025 Chess@Libraries Finals Tournament a true success and a memorable celebration of strategy, skill, and community spirit,’ added Councillor Higham.
Caption 1: The Chess@Libraries final tournament at the Parow Civic Centre
Caption 2: The top performing players in the different categories at the prizegiving
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
