Tsebo girls chess team gets life lessons

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – As part of celebrations marking Women’s Month, Tsebo Secondary School held a chess tournament for young women under the theme ‘Dlala Matombazana which was inspirited by the slogan ‘Here for Her’.

One of the participants, grade learner 10 Lukhele Khanyisile who is also captain of a chess club, described the event as:

“Today’s event was not only about chess; we had great life lessons that we acquired from speakers here. We were advised on many things that affect young girls like us. Discipline and mentorships are important in order to achieve our goals. I am so excited and hope my life will change for the better because I am now well informed.”

Another chess player Nthatisi Mathejane, said what was said by the motivational speaker laid a foundation for her and she is going to use some of the information to become a better person.
“I have learned how reading can help me become a better person. I can be informed and make better decision form the knowledge I have acquired from reading.”
Motshedisi Likate from Thabong village had shared some life lessons through her foundation.

“The important step to achieving your ideal life is setting goals. You should know what kind of life you want, know your background. The first step to achieving your goal is by having mentors. Look for somebody who is already living the life you aspire to have.

“Currently the woman who causes waves for me is Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng who despite leaving office at University of Cape Town, is still making waves. Her story motivates me a lot and is one of the weapons I use in my own life.

“The third step is reading. I am one person who has been saved by books a number of times. I always joked when having girls talk saying that one of the reasons I survived and never become part of the statistics of teenage pregnancy was I already knew from the books what not to do and what to focus on as a young woman.”

Speaking at the occasion, chess coach Thabisile Kubheka said the tournament targeted girls as part of celebrating Women’s Month.