Prize money amounting to R100 000 was distributed to primary and secondary schools during the prize-giving ceremony of the Munei Foundation Chess competition, which was held at the Tshiozwi  Sivhada Guest House last Friday night.

The guest speaker, the chairperson for housing development enterprise of Namibia, Mr Sam Chivute, emphasised the importance of education during the ceremony and said that sport without education meant nothing. “You can be a star today and be written off the following day. Education will never forsake you, and you can bank on it,” he added.

He criticized teachers who are involved in drugs. "Imagine the teacher who is supposed to be a role model is selling dagga to the pupils. What type of future leaders are we expecting from that generation? We are also seriously concerned about community members who sell alcoholic beverages to school kids. Can you imagine a learner dressed in school uniform, queuing in the bottle store for beer?"

The circuit manager of Zoutpanberg West, Ms Christina Ramovha, appealed to businesspeople to get involved in promoting local activities. A representative from the Bruzar group, Mr Rudzani Mamphaga, stated that his company would continue to sponsor the circuit in the coming years. According to him, the sponsorship will grow with time.

The biggest prize went to the champions in the primary competition, Benny’s Care. They became R3 400 richer. Daniel Mubva Primary went home with R3 000, while the third prize of R2 000 was won by Gogobole Primary.

In the secondary category, Millige High took the first position and received R3 400. The runners-up, Benny’s Care, collected R3000. Gogobole received R2 000.

Best players primary school player is Divhambele Kganakga of Tshikwarani, who received R1 400, a trophy and a gold medal. The second position went to Hector Phaswana of Matavha, who received R1 000 and a silver medal. Boldwin Siphei of Tshilwavusiku Razwimisani Special School, who ended in  third position position, took home R500 and a bronze medal.

The winners in the secondary schools category are: Mulalo Muthenga of Jonothan Thifhulufheli High, who received R1 400, a trophy and a medal, while the second-placed Matome Ramasala from Kutama High School received R1 000 and a silver medal. The third-placed Lutendo Ramadwa of Sinthumule High received R500 and a bronze medal.