“I am the change that I would like to see in my country.”
These powerful words come from Thomas Sathikge (32), a small-scale entrepreneur from Carletonville, whose daily presence at the bustling intersection of Kaolin and Ada Street is known to many in the area.

After growing up in Khutsong and matriculating from Tswasongu Secondary School, Thomas completed a New Venture Creation course at Westcol in 2013. He began selling sweets and chips from a table on the street corner. Over time, he expanded his offerings to include a shoe-washing service.

But what truly changed the course of his life was learning chess — a skill he picked up from respected local coach Eazy Tshabadira at Hlangabeza Primary School. For Thomas, chess wasn’t just a game; it became a tool for growth, discipline, and teaching.

Unlike typical street vendors who sit and wait for customers, Sathikge set up a chessboard at his stall, turning it into a mini chess hub. Passersby — from learners to adults — often stop for a quick game, sparking conversations and friendly competition.

“I do this because I love chess,” Thomas says with pride.

His stall has become a local favorite among chess enthusiasts. Schoolchildren often visit after class to sharpen their chess skills. This growing interest inspired Thomas to dream bigger — he now wants to open a chess academy to give young people a constructive outlet and help them develop critical thinking.

“There’s very little entertainment for young people here. Chess can change that. It builds focus, patience, and confidence,” he says.

Thomas welcomes anyone who wants to play, support his small business, or help him achieve his dream of launching a community chess academy.

📞 To support or contact Thomas Sathikge, call 069 419 6434.
Stop by his stall on Kaolin and Ada Street, Carletonville, for a game — and a glimpse of true community-driven change.