Chess is one of the oldest, universal and most popular mind skill, logic and strategy game played by millions of people in the world. The game is also a very powerful tool known to instill patience, concentration, logical thinking, tough decision-making capabilities and developing cognitive skills and memory especially of young people. It can thus be used as an educational tool that allows learners to have a deep sense of pride, improved academic output, social cohesion and tolerance and patient problem-solving skills which are critical skills in a growing South Africa where 37% population is composed of young people between the ages of 7 and 18.

Although chess can be used as an educational and extra-curricular sporting activity for the overall socio-cultural development of South Africa, several educational facilities especially in the rural areas around the country have no appropriate facilities (physical space and game sets, learning material and aides, as well as trainers) and tools for the development of the sport, both as an educational and or extra-curricular activities. In most instances, be it not a Government policy for Chess to be part and parcel of the school cognitive skills development curricular, many schools have not in cooperated it as a major sporting activity in their localities. In addition to schools, underprivileged communities in our country have due to legacy issues laced access to this important sport that can be used to build character of both youths and young adults. Moreover, chess in schools and communities offers an opportunity for the disabled, socially or mentally disadvantaged children to be engaged in a less physically straining sport such as chess thereby allowing them an opportunity to participate in the socio-economic development of their communities. All in all chess in school and underprivileged societies can be used as a tool to reduce involvement of youths and young adults in non-productive activities such as experimenting with and abusing alcohol, drugs and other vices.