Evan de Wet (7) from Gordon’s Bay Primary School has been awarded junior South African colours and selected to represent the country at the Junior World Cadets Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia in Eastern Europe from 15 to 28 June, an achievement capping an extraordinary first season in competitive chess.
Evan is one of triplets born to single mother Simone de Wet on 5 May 2018. The family’s story captured hearts when DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette featured them along with other Gordon’s Bay triplet families in 2018, highlighting an unusual phenomenon in the seaside village.
De Wet’s journey to motherhood was one of determination; after unsuccessful relationships she pursued IVF treatment at age 39. Following five failed attempts over three years her final procedure succeeded, initially promising the twins she’d dreamed of having since age 25. At De Wet’s seven-week scan doctors discovered three heartbeats. Despite medical advice suggesting foetal reduction she embraced the unexpected blessing.
Born at 35 weeks via an emergency Caesarean section, Evan arrived first at 2,2 kg, followed by identical sisters Lila and Zoey at 1,8 kg each. “I had hoped for one baby, but was blessed with two and a bonus!” the proud new mum said afterwards.
Chess champions in the making
The triplets began competitive chess in Grade 1 last year, quickly making their mark with multiple podium finishes at regional and provincial tournaments.
All three qualified for the SAJCC Under-8 National Championships, an achievement coaches describe as “truly exceptional” for first-time players.
“Evan remembers all his games,” Dorothy Potgieter, chess coordinator at Gordon’s Bay Primary, pointed out. “I have never seen talent like this before. Given the choice he will always opt to play chess.”
Chess coach Armand Etsebeth agreed: “Evan is a remarkably talented and passionate chess player who demonstrates maturity well beyond his years. He is truly destined for greatness in the game.”
His selection for the World Cadets Championship represents the pinnacle of a breakthrough season. Junior SA colours are reserved for players demonstrating outstanding national-level performance, placing Evan among the youngest South Africans ever to earn this honour.
“Evan has earned this opportunity through strong performances at national level and continues to demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication at such a young age,” Chenรฉ Jeffries, general secretary of Chess South Africa/SAJCC, declared.
“When Evan says ‘I want to be the youngest Grandmaster’ I cannot but fully support such an express dream!” his proud mum declared.
A dream that needs support
However, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes at a significant cost. Travel, accommodation, tournament fees and related expenses exceed R100 000, an impossible sum for a single mother working tirelessly to support three children.
Without community and corporate support Evan faces the heartbreaking possibility of missing his place on the world stage.
A BackaBuddy fundraising campaign has been launched, appealing to businesses, sponsors, chess enthusiasts and the public to make this dream a reality.
๏ฎ To support the cause, visit
www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-evan-represent-sa-at-world-cadets-2026.
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