Heinrich Basson elected as Deputy President of Cape Winelands Chess Union.

Heinrich Basson of the Stellenbosch Chess Club was elected as Deputy President of the Cape Winelands Chess Union on Saturday, 23 February 2019 at the Wellington High School.  Mr Zaakie Jacobs of the Worcester Chess Academy was the other candidate for this position.  Mr Jacobs graciously withdrew his candidature in favour of Heinrich Basson.

The elections took place under the auspices of the Western Cape Chess Association.  Mr Leon de Jager was chairperson of the election meeting.  He indicated in a short speech that the election of the new Cape Winelands Chess Union means that all the unions in the Western Cape are now functional and heralds a new era in Western Cape Chess.

Christian Maxwell of Drakenstein Dragons Chess Club was elected as President of the Cape Winelands Chess Union.

The full Executive is Christian Maxwell (President), Heinrich Basson (Deputy President), Ms Fairous Adams (Treasurer), Ms Joceline Nel (Secretary) and Mr Zaakie Jacobs (Additional Member).

Mr Maxwell expressed his hope that the Cape Winelands Chess Union will go from strength to strength.  He also intimated that the new executive has quite a few ideas to develop chess in the region.  

In a discussion after the meeting between the Clubs present, the participants urged the formation of a Cape Winelands Chess League and also the return of the Boland (Cape Winelands) Open tournament.

The outgoing President Mr Reza Williams was thanked for his contribution to chess.  Mr Williams could not attend the election because of work commitments.

The Stellenbosch Chess Club wishes the new executive all the best for their term and would support the CWCU wherever possible.