South African youth chess players and parents arrived in Harare for the African Youth Chess Championship on 6 December 2025, only to find themselves stranded due to Chess South Africa's delayed accommodation payments. Participants faced nights on couches and constant hotel shuffles, disrupting their tournament preparations. Frustrated families are now calling for leadership changes at the organization.
The African Youth Chess Championship, a key event for players aged eight to 18 from across the continent, began on 6 December 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe, drawing over 450 competitors from 17 countries. Among them were 76 South Africans, including young players and their parents, who traveled expecting smooth arrangements organized by Chess South Africa (Chess SA).
Upon arrival at Cresta Lodge, however, no one could check in because Chess SA had not paid the fees. The initial payment deadline was 15 November, extended to 25 November, but funds were not transferred until 5 December. According to Chess SA president Andre Lewaks, the delay stemmed from the Zimbabwe Chess Federation's late issuance of an invoice, received only on Thursday night before the event. Payments totaling around R2 million—R250,000 on Friday morning, R750,000 later that day, and R1 million on Saturday—were eventually made directly to a South African bank account at the lodge's request to bypass currency issues.
Parents described the ordeal as chaotic. One anonymous parent, referred to as Parent A, spent an extra R5,000 on alternative lodging and called the situation 'dismal,' noting children as young as eight went without proper rest or food. Another, Parent B, highlighted the disruption: players were shuffled nightly between Cresta Lodge and Jameson, checking in late at 10 p.m. and leaving by 8 a.m., with some arriving at rooms only at midnight. This unsettled routine hampered focus during matches, especially for unaccompanied children.
A Cresta Lodge duty manager denied turning away guests or anyone sleeping on couches. Earlier complaints in October about poor coordination, particularly from vice-president Vicky Magu, went unaddressed, including formal emails about unresponsive communication. Magu defended his responses as adequate and accused some parents of malice, warning of broader repercussions for African chess bodies.
Lewaks expressed regret but insisted Chess SA fulfilled its duties, arriving in Harare on Thursday to address concerns. Parents, however, labeled his explanations disingenuous and are pushing for 'fresh leadership' to prevent future failures in duty of care.
