By BAKANG MOKOTO

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the South African School Chess Association (SASCA) president, Thomas Lechelele. According to the media statement, Lechelele died in Hammaskraal on Tuesday.

SASCA secretary, Justice Tlamama described Lechelele as a decorated chess coach and educator who was instrumental in the building of chess structures in the North West.

“The North West Chess fraternity mourns the passing of Lechelele who served as the first president of Ngaka Modiri Molema Chess Association from 2007 until 2017. During this period, Lechelele was the principal at Tau Primary School in Madiba a ga RraTau in Mahikeng.

“His school produced provincial and national champions in 2016 and preceding years with some winning scholarships at top schools in the province. Lechelele will be celebrated for his passion and undying spirit for the game, as well as the determination he instilled in his learners,” said Tlamama.

He added that Lechelele also served in the leadership of Chess as president of the North West Schools Chess from 2010 until 2020 as well as the president of North West Chess Federation from 2014 until 2017. Tlamama further said Lechelele passed away while still serving his beloved federation, SASCA as president from 2017 to date.

“We are greatly saddened by the passing of Bra Tom as Lechelele was affectionately known to the masses. We have lost a giant, a pioneer and I am truly lost for words. Lechelele was an anchor in the movement, together with him, we championed the formation of chess clubs across his district and later the Ngaka Modiri Molema Chess Federation.

“Furthermore, we moved and formed the provincial structure and later represented the province at the national federation where he was appointed as president. All in all, I moved with him through the ranks as the secretary. The chess community has really lost a real leader in Bra Tom,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lechelele who retired in 2019 as a teacher will be buried in Mahikeng this week.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urges motorists to buckle up and drive according to the condition of the road, instead of the speed limit.

This comes after two taxis and a sedan were involved in a car accident on N18 road near Mahikeng, today at around 7am.

“One of the taxis was ferrying learners to school when it was involved in an accident. Thirteen learners were transported to hospital for medical attention. One of the taxi drivers including three learners sustained serious injuries.

“We would like to wish all those injured a speedy recovery and once more appealed to motorists to be patient and drive to the condition of the road, instead of the speed limit,” Lehari said.

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