Durban’s own Shreeya Mahadeo: A young chess prodigy’s journey to the Commonwealth Championships

Loading player...
At just 15-years-old, Shreeya Mahadeo stands as one of South Africa’s most promising young chess talents. A pupil at Durban Girls' College, her journey began at the age of seven when her father, Sebastian, first introduced her to the game. Since then, her passion and determination have propelled her to the international stage, where she will soon represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Malaysia.

Shreeya’s path has not been without obstacles. She recalls moments of discouragement, particularly when international tournaments felt out of reach due to financial challenges. “I felt demotivated when it came to international trips because we couldn’t actually afford it,” she shares. However, the launch of her BackaBuddy campaign has reignited her hope. “Now that we’ve started the BackaBuddy campaign, I have the opportunity to learn, gain experience, and represent my country, something I’m really happy to do.”

Listen to the full conversation!
6 Nov 2025 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Inside SA’s violent CIT heists: How to protect yourself in the crossfire

A cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery on the N2 southbound in Durban on Wednesday morning has again placed the spotlight on the risks linked to these crimes, despite a recent decline in overall incidents. According to Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa (CITASA) head Grant Clark, the industry continues to strengthen security interventions…
5 Mar 4 min

Parents Hotline: After kids, do you understand your parents better?

It’s time for Parents Hotline, where we talk about the real stuff behind raising kids. Today, Stacey and J Sbu asked you: Now that you have your own kids, do you understand your parents better? We heard from quite a few people who talked about their own struggles growing up…
4 Mar 12 min

What is the most amount of money you have ever saved?

Every Wednesday, the little ones of our province take over our airwaves with their cuteness. It’s a chance for the kids of KZN to share something with us. This week, aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu asked you: What is the most amount of money you have ever saved? Here's…
4 Mar 3 min

R22 million for statues: President Ramaphosa unveils two major monuments in Durban

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially unveiled two major monuments in Durban, honouring liberation struggle icons Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela. The nine-metre bronze statue of Tambo, the ANC’s first president, now stands along the beachfront, while a second statue of Mandela was unveiled at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The two structures…
3 Mar 3 min

Menstrual products: OBGYN sits down with Stacey and J Sbu

Stacey and J Sbu spoke about a burning issue, new research has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads sold here in South Africa. What does that mean for women's health, our hormones and our fertility? We speak to a fertility specialist and OBGYN, Dr Siyanda Zulu, to unpack the science,…
3 Mar 8 min