As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. S’bonelo Dlamini, DUT Communication’s team member, recently engaged with Jaydon Dunkley the DUT chess star, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.

Name: Jaydon Dunkley

Place of birth: Joburg

Sport code: Chess

Qualification: Bachelor of Power Engineering

Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?

A:” I’m actually quite new to the team, only having joined this year.”

Q:  What sparked your interest in this type of sport?

A: “I’ve always played chess but when I moved to a new secondary school in grade 10, it became my passion when I got selected for the school’s chess team.”

Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?

A: “Chess is an individual’s game. It’s played one on one. In team events, the players scores are tallied up together meaning everyone has an equal part to play.”

Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?

A: “I have not really taken an interest in many of the other sport codes as my main focus has been on chess.”

Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?

A: “This year a few players and I have participated in the South African (SA) open which was hosted by the university of Johannesburg. It’s a massive 11 round, nine day tournament where we had competed for a R10 000 prize.”

Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?

A: “Chess is all about strategy. You need to plan ahead, be able to critically analysis problems and to maintain self-control under pressure. It is also a game of patience. These are all useful skills to learn as student and as a person.”

Q: Who is your role model and why?

A: “In terms of chess, it would have to be Bobby Fischer, a chess prodigy from the 60s and 70s. He was completely driven by his passion and worked extremely hard to achieve his goals.”

Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?

A: “The values that speak out to me the most are respect and integrity. After a chess game, whether you win or lose, you shake your opponents hand. This demonstrates the respect that players have for one another. Integrity is also important as there have been many scandals of top players fixing matches which ruin the game for everyone else.”

Q: Do you see a future in your sport?

A: “Unfortunately I don’t believe I’ll ever be good enough to make it my profession, but I will definitely keep playing chess.”

Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?

A: “Chess is a game that brings people together. It can help to cultivate a better and more connected community.”

Q: What impact has sport made on your life?

A: “Chess has helped me to find confidence in myself and has connected me to some many amazing people all over the country.”

Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?

A: “While chess is not really a spectators sport, we can host more friendly tournaments and events for people to participate in.”