Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya has been appointed Patron of the Eswatini Chess Federation (ECF), a move expected to strengthen the promotion of chess as a tool for youth development, innovation and critical thinking.
This was revealed by the ministry.
The appointment positions Maziya to support initiatives aimed at using chess to nurture strategic thinking, problem-solving, discipline and decision-making skills among young Emaswati.
The Eswatini Chess Federation is the national body responsible for promoting and developing chess in the country. Established in 2006 and affiliated to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) since 2011, the federation has expanded the sport through schools, clubs, tournaments and youth development programmes.
Eswatini has also established a presence on the international chess stage, including a gold-medal achievement in the women’s category at the 2022 World Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
As Patron, Maziya is expected to champion the growth of chess while promoting it as a platform for intellectual development and youth empowerment. Her role will also seek to encourage young people to embrace challenges, think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
“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,” Maziya said.
The Ministry of ICT said investing in young people’s intellectual development is an investment in the country’s future, particularly as Eswatini seeks to strengthen its participation in the digital economy.
Through initiatives that encourage curiosity, strategic thinking and creativity, the ministry believes young people can be better prepared to navigate an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The partnership with the chess federation also aligns with broader efforts to expose young Emaswati to activities that build skills beyond the traditional classroom environment.
Chess, with its emphasis on planning, analysing consequences and making calculated decisions, provides young people with practical skills that can be applied in education, business, technology and everyday life.
The federation’s continued work in schools, clubs and youth programmes is therefore expected to benefit from stronger advocacy and visibility under Maziya’s patronage.
The appointment comes as the Ministry of ICT continues to position youth development, innovation and digital readiness as important components of Eswatini’s future development.
