Crossroads, Cape Town – In a heartwarming tale of talent, determination, and community support, 12-year-old chess prodigy Imkhitha Joya, hailing from Crossroads, Cape Town, has earned the prestigious opportunity to represent South Africa at the highly anticipated World Cadets Championship 2023, held in Egypt.
Scheduled to take place from October 14th to 27th, the championship is poised to be a defining moment in Imkhitha’s chess journey.
Imkhitha’s rise in the world of chess is nothing short of remarkable. With just three years of dedicated practice, her growth has been meteoric. Originating from Crossroads, a community facing economic challenges, Imkhitha’s determination has propelled her beyond obstacles to achieve her current standing.
Her relentless commitment to the game, combined with an unwavering passion, has earned her the title of the top-ranked player in the Western Cape and the second-ranked player in all of South Africa, boasting an impressive chess rating of 1501.
To facilitate Imkhitha’s participation in the World Cadets Chess Championship 2023, her dedicated coach, Thando Hlakula, who has been with her every step of the way, has initiated a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. So far, R20 000 has been raised toward their fundraising goal of R124,000.
“It still baffles me that a 12-year-old can reach this level of maturity. Imkhitha’s exceptional qualities extend beyond her chess skills. She exemplifies perseverance, discipline, analytical thinking, and the ability to handle pressure, making her a standout amongst her peers.” says Thando

Imkhitha’s story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and community support. As she gears up to compete on the African stage, her journey will undoubtedly inspire others to follow their dreams and overcome adversity.
Support Imkhitha on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/imkhitha-joya
Create your own Crowdfunding Campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has raised over R460 Million in support of various worthy causes from donors from around the world.
If you’re a charity or an individual in need of funds for medical needs, tuition fees or simply want to pay it forward, launch a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.
Shop Big Brands and Donate
At ShopDonation, you can shop with popular brands like Cotton On, Mr Price, NetFlorist, booking.com, Puma, Alibaba, AVIS, and many more. When you shop through ShopDonation, these brands will generously donate a portion of your purchase to charity.
Connect with Porky’s
Porky’s People NPC, is a non-profit organisation and Charity Marketing Consultancy based in South Africa. We share inspiring South African stories, charitable causes and information worth spreading. 🌍 💜Our passion is people and non-profits.
WhatsApp Us – Subscribe to our Newsletter – Find us on social media @porkyspeople.
Expert Marketing & Media Consultant Services for Non-Profit Organisations
We provide Marketing, Media and Social Media support to non-profit organisations both locally and abroad. Our Services.
Shop on Gift Horse
Gift Horse is an online e-commerce store based in South Africa that provides impactful, high-quality children’s gifts and experiences, that benefit worthy non-profit organisations and inspire generosity and kindness.
