Checkmate across generations: Chess brings young and old together in Lenasia

A library turns into a chessboard

The Lenasia Extension 3 Library hosted a lively chess event on 6 May 2026, drawing residents aged between seven and 77. The gathering, run by Library and Information Services, combined structured and casual matches to promote critical thinking, social interaction and lifelong learning.

Generations meet across the board

Players from different generations sat opposite one another to prove the game’s power to connect people beyond age, background and experience. Young participants described chess as a game that “makes them think,” while older players said regular play keeps their minds active and offers meaningful intergenerational connection.

Local chess development

The event highlighted the growth of the Lenasia Chess Academy, which the report says was founded in the early 2000s by Ferhaad Vally and Ahmed Saloojee. For many attendees each match was more than competition it was an opportunity to learn, improve and build confidence.

City support and community impact

Cllr Thapelo Amad, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, praised the initiative and emphasised chess’s role in strengthening communities.

“We fully support chess as a powerful tool for community development. It encourages critical thinking, discipline and patience among young people, while also providing older residents with a meaningful way to stay mentally active and socially connected.

Programmes like these strengthen community bonds, bridge generational gaps and create safe, inclusive spaces where learning and growth can take place,”

What the event showed

Beyond showcasing talent, the gathering demonstrated how chess can build bridges between generations, strengthen social ties and encourage lifelong learning within communities.