Nyanga chess prodigy to represent SA on global stage

AT JUST 14 years old, Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads in Nyanga, is one of South Africa's brightest young talents in chess.

- STAFF REPORTER

She's earned national recognition and international invitations - now all she needs is the public’s help to keep her momentum going.

Earlier this year, Imkhitha was crowned South African U14 Girls Chess Champion after finishing undefeated at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also swept the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section, winning every game with a perfect score of six out of six. Her CHESSA rating now stands at 1811, making her the top-ranked U14 girl and 6th overall among female players in South Africa.

Despite these remarkable achievements, the road has not been easy.