A teenage boy from the flats in Clarke Estate has been chosen to represent Western Province at a tournament taking place in Boksburg and needs help to get there.
Jenken Gall, a Grade 11 pupil at Bishop Lavis High, requires assistance to get everything he needs to compete in the South African Junior National Chess Championships taking place from 3-19 January.
Fees for the trip are R9000, but that will only cover travel and accommodation.
His ouma, Margaret Gall, 72, says she has raised Jenkin, 17, and his baby brother for 15 years with the help of her children.
The devout pensioner reveals she prays that their mother, Deneleen, who went missing on 2 September 2005, will one day return home.
She says: “Jenken is a good boy. He has been playing chess since he started high school, four years ago.
YOUR MOVE: Jenkin Gall, 17
“He went to the library and started playing there. It was not long before he loved it and it took his mind off the hardship in his life.
“It cannot be nice not knowing where your mother is and for me, not knowing where my child is, is very sad.
“I have tried to do right by him. I make sure he is fed and clothed and that he has most of the things he needs.
PRAY: Ouma, Magaret Gall. Jack Lestrade
“We were informed that a secret sponsor had come on board to assist, but he still needs so much.”
Jenken says he is very excited about the tournament: “I love playing chess. It’s a head game and you need to know what you are doing.”