The Students’ Representative.

Johan van Breda (MSSA's Vice-President) started his gaming career as a student at Tuks while playing for TuksEsports.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has a reputation of being an industry leader. Having been founded in 1985, MSSA has stayed at the cutting edge in terms of promoting demographic representivity, gender equity, promotion of its games at school and university level, introducing good governance into an otherwise fractious arena, and developing better tournament mechanisms - many of which are now commonplace in international competitions.

Again MSSA leads the pack!

At MSSA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 4 December 2021, it was unanimously agreed by all present to create the position for a Student's Representative to sit on the Board.

At the 2022 MSSA AGM, the Students’ Representative shall only be voted in by member clubs established at, and by, accredited tertiary educations.

This gives clubs at tertiary educations a direct line into the decision making process to make MSSA even more representitive to its community.
However, in order to get the position up-and-running, the Board will co-opt a Registered Player from the nominations made by member clubs at accredited tertiary institutions. Such nominations must be made by 31 May 2022. For further details, please contact mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com.

Also read:

• 2022 Calendar of Events
• Affiliation: Private Clubs
• Affiliation - Schools
• Events: 4th Provincial Online Student Championships - 9 April 2022
• Events: 2022 Online Provincial Championships - 16 April 2022
• IDF: MSO Grand Prix 2022
• IESF: Bali Confirmed as Host of the 2022 World Esports Championships Finals
• IESF: IESF TO HOST CSGO EVENT FOR FEMALES.
• IESF: MSSA officially enters Protea Team
• IESF: Six Game Titles for IESF's 2022 World Esports Championships
• Ladder: Clash Royale
• Notices: Calling all volunteers
• Notices: R65,000.00 in prizes for esports league
• Notices - Advertise your club
• Notices: Learners may play for both private and school clubs.
• Notices: The Student's Representative
• Notices - Transfer season
• Results: 2022 Online Western Cape Championships
• Results: Combined Online Provincial Championships for Schools
• Titles: With immediate effect.
• Titles - esports: High School Championships
• Titles - esports: Premier Championships
• Titles - esports: Student Championships

MSSA's new Players' Representative - Jessie Joubert (ZAG Academy)

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) was way ahead of the curve when it created its Players' Representative position to sit on the Board way back in 2005.

The person who holds this position has to represent the aims, wishes, and desires of the gamers in order to ensure that the players are not overlooked in the decision-making process. Such Player Representative, must therefore owe greater loyalty to the players than to any club affiliation.

Those who have held, and excelled, in such office are:

• Amoné Bekker (Valhalla)
• Jason Batzofin (Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club)
• Jonathan Newman (Maritzburg Griffins)
• Amanda Pakade (nee Kwaza) (University of Johannesburg)

Amanda went on to become MSSA President, and Jason Batzofin, went on to become Chairperson of International Esports Federation's Players' Commission.

At Mind Sports South Africa's 34th South African National Championships, the new Players' Representative, for the 2021 to 2023 term, was voted in by all participating athletes. On an unanimous vote, Jessie Joubert was voted in to serve his fellow athletes.

On being voted in, Jessie stated, "I am honoured to have been elected as the players representative of Mind Sports South Africa as I would love to see growth and improvement in the South African esports scene!"

Jessie then continued by saying, "I have been involved in the local gaming scene for many years in and outside of Mind Sports South Africa. Due to this I believe I can represent the players in a new and fresh way with new thoughts and ideas. My goal will be to interact with the community and all players to get the best possible outcome for all the different games in South Africa."

Jessie is open to all suggestions and queries, so everyone please do not be afraid to ask and contact him via the Players' Representative Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/933822936687387.

Also read:

• MSSA elections allow change and growth.
• MSSA remains a dynamic institution.
• Preventing dominance by any one club.
• Advantages of affiliation
• Calendar of  Events: 2020
• Upcoming events: South African National Board Games Championships - 12 December 2020.
• Affiliation: Schools
• Affiliation: Private clubs
• Esports titles selected: MSSA's School Championships.
• Esports titles selected: MSSA's Premier Championships.
  
• Notices: MSSA's new Players' Representative - Jessie Joubert (ZAG Academy
• Results of MSSA's 10th Annual Online Championships for High Schools
• Results of MSSA's Western Cape Online Provincial Championships.
• Results: MSSA's 11th Provincial Online Championships
• Results: Gauteng Online Provincial Championships.
• Results: Winners of MSSA's 34th S A National Championships.
• Results: Saudah takes SA Nationals for the third time in a row.
• Test Match results: South African Protea DotA 2 team rises triumphant.
• Test Match results: DOTA2: South Africa vs Azerbaijan
• New National Team Selection Criteria
• Selecting the national Protea teams for Mind Sports South Africa.

Reminder: Elections for a new Athletes' Representative

 

Amanda Pakade (left) was MSSA's first Athletes' Representative, and Amoné Bekker (right) was MSSA's most recent.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) was way ahead of the curve when it created its Athletes' Representative position to sit on the Board way back in 2005.

The person who holds this position has to represent the aims, wishes, and desires of the gamers in order to ensure that the players are not overlooked in the decision-making process. Such Player Representative, must therefore owe greater loyalty to the players than to any club affiliation.

Those who have held, and excelled in such office are:

• Amoné Bekker (Valhalla)
• Jason Batzofin (Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club)
• Jonathan Newman (Maritzburg Griffins)
• Amanda Pakade (nee Kwaza) (University of Johannesburg)

Amanda went on to become MSSA President, and Jason Batzofin, went on to become Chairperson of International Esports Federation's Players' Committee.

The position can thus be seen as a stepping stone to greater things.

It is the athletes that participate in MSSA's 2020 SA National Championships that elect the representative. 

The criteria to stand for the position of Athletes' Representative are:

• The Player's Representative shall have Protea Colours, and
• The Player's Representative shall have represented South Africa in an International Competition, and
• The Player's Representative shall not be over 30 years of age at the time of such election.

MSSA therefore requests all those interested in standing for such position to please submit a nomination to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com by 8H00 on 5 December 2020.

Also read:

• MSSA elections allow change and growth.
• MSSA remains a dynamic institution.
• Preventing dominance by any one club.
• Advantages of affiliation
• Calendar of  Events: 2020
• Upcoming events: South African National Board Games Championships - 12 December 2020.
• Upcoming events: South African National Online Championships
• Upcoming events: South African National Wargames Championships - 5 & 6 December 2020.
• Affiliation: Schools
• Affiliation: Private clubs
• Esports titles selected: MSSA's School Championships.
• Esports titles selected: MSSA's Premier Championships.
• Results of MSSA's 10th Annual Online Championships for High Schools
• Results of MSSA's Western Cape Online Provincial Championships.
• Results: MSSA's 11th Provincial Online Championships
• Results: Gauteng Online Provincial Championships.
• Test Match results: South African Protea DotA 2 team rises triumphant.
• Test Match results: DOTA2: South Africa vs Azerbaijan
• New National Team Selection Criteria
• Selecting the national Protea teams for Mind Sports South Africa.

Elections for a new Athletes' Representative

Amanda Pakade (left) was MSSA's first Athletes' Representative, and Amoné Bekker (right) was MSSA's most recent.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) was way ahead of the curve when it created its Athletes' Representative position to sit on the Board way back in 2005.

The person who holds this position has to represent the aims, wishes, and desires of the gamers in order to ensure that the players are not overlooked in the decision-making process. Such Player Representative, must therefore owe greater loyalty to the players than to any club affiliation.

Those who have held, and excelled in such office are:

• Amoné Bekker (Valhalla)
• Jason Batzofin (Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club)
• Jonathan Newman (Maritzburg Griffins)
• Amanda Pakade (nee Kwaza) (University of Johannesburg)

Amanda went on to become MSSA President, and Jason Batzofin, went on to become Chairperson of International Esports Federation's Players' Committee.

The position can thus be seen as a stepping stone to greater things.

Elections for such position are held at MSSA's 2020 SA National Championships by the athletes. 

The criteria to stand for the position of Athletes' Representative are:

• The Player's Representative shall have Protea Colours, and
• The Player's Representative shall have represented South Africa in an International Competition, and
• The Player's Representative shall not be over 30 years of age at the time of such election.

MSSA therefore requests all those interested in standing for such position to please submit a nomination to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com by 1 November 2020.

Also read:

• MSSA elections allow change and growth.
• Preventing dominance by any one club.
• Advantages of affiliation
• Calendar of  Events: 2020
• Affiliation: Schools
• Affiliation: Private clubs 
• Nominations for MSSA's Board must be in by 1 November 2020.

Bidding farewell.

Amanda Pakade (MSSA President) with Amone Bekker.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) was way ahead of the curve when it created its Athletes' Representative position to sit on the Board way back in 2005.

The person who holds this position has to represent the aims, wishes, and desires of the gamers in order to ensure that the players are not overlooked in the decision-making process. Such Player Represenntative, must therefore owe greater loyalty to the players than to any club affiliation.

Unfortunately the incumbent, Amoné Bekker, is unable to see out her duties dur to personal reasons.

MSSA is sad to see her depart, but realises that it is necessary, as she would not be able to fulfill her duties from a far-and-distant country.

Those who have held, and excelled in such office are:

• Amoné Bekker (Valhalla)
• Jason Batzofin (Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club)
• Jonathan Newman (Matitzburg Griffins)
• Amanda Pakade (nee Kwaza) (University of Johannesburg)

Amanda went on to become MSSA President, and Jason Batzofin, went on to become Chairperson of International Esports Federation's Players' Committee.

The position can thus be seen as a stepping stone to greater things.

MSSA will thus co-opt a person to serve in the position, until elections are held at MSSA's 2020 General Meeting.

The criteria to stand for the position of Athletes' Representative are:

• The Player's Representative shall have Protea Colours, and
• The Player's Representative shall have represented South Africa in an International Competition, and
• The Player's Representative shall not be over 30 years of age at the time of such election.

MSSA therefore requests all those interested in standing for such position to please contact MSSA at mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com by 28 February 2020.

Also read:

• Ensuring gender equity in esports.
• MSSA celebrates its women who have earned Protea Colours.
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports.
• How school clubs affiliate for the 2020 season.
• 2020 Calendar of Events
• The various events held by Mind Sports South Africa.
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports
• New National Team Selection Criteria
• Selecting the national Protea teams for Mind Sports South Africa.
• The road to Eilat
• For four years in a row...

Marisa van der Westhuizen is MSSA's Esports Representative.

MSSA President, Amanda Pakade (left) with MSSA Esports Representative, Marisa van der Westhuizen (right) at IESF's 10th World Championships.

At Mind Sports South Africa's (MSSA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), on 1 December 2018, Marisa van der Westhuizen was elected in as MSSA's new Esport Representative.

It is the Esports Representative's role to suggest and formulate any amendments which they believe necessary for MSSA to adapt in a constantly evolving esports industry. Those changes could be as miniscule as a map change in the current competitive map pool or even as profound as a change to the regulations. Added to such responsibility, is the duty to chair the Esports Board of Control (EBoC) which overseas esports on a day-to-day basis.

Marisa has been a competitive esports athlete for the better part of the last four (4) years and a casual gamer for most of her life. This is Marisa's second year as a part of MSSA's national CS:GO squad.

In 2018, Marisa served as a player, but this year she truly made history.

Not only was Marisa selected as the first ever female team captain of an official South African Protea CS:GO esports team, but she was also the first ever female to captain a CS:GO team at IESF's World Championships.

Her involvement in esports, however, goes beyond competing. Marisa feels a strong obligation to give back and as such it is no surprise that she is also a qualified umpire. Additionally she is involved with esports administration, facilitation, and coaching on a daily basis through her position at ZAG Academy.

While dedicating her time towards improving as an esports athlete over the past few years, as well as recently becoming a new mother, Marisa is proof that it is possible to realise your aspirations so long as you apply yourself diligently, comply with existing structures, and remain dedicated to your dreams.
There is a great deal of work and responsibility associated with the position, but the entire MSSA Management Board is confident in Marisa's abilities. Marisa is the second female to hold this position in the history of MSSA. Her predecessors are none other than luminaries such as: Rob Stevens (2005), Johann von Backström (2006 - 2008), Dr Ryan van den Bergh (2009 - 2011), David Webster (2011 - 2012), Ryan Boyes (2014 - 2018), and Angelique Ramos (2018).


Also read:

• MSSA elections: One of the hardest positions on the Board
• In for a second term!
• Angelique is co-opted onto MSSA's Management Board.

New Athletes' Representative demonstrates great joie de vivre.

Amoné Bekker (Valhalla) is the Athletes' Representative for the period 2018 to 2021.

Not since Amanda (neé Kwaza) Pakade held the position of Athletes Representative (2006 to 2008) has a female held the position of Athetes' Representative.

At Mind Sports South Africa's 32nd South African National Championships, Amoné Bekker (Valhalla)  from Cape Town was elected in as MSSA's Athletes' Representative for the period 2018 to 2021.Amoné first earned her Protea Colours in 2017 when selected to represent South Africa in an online League of Legends test match against Tunisia. In 2018, Amoné was selected for the National Team Squad.

Amoné admits that taking over the position from Jason Batzofin (Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club) is a great honour as Jason Batzofin set a new bar. As most esports athletes will know, Jason is currently serving as the chairman of IESF's Athletes' Commission.

It is no secret that Amoné Bekker has aspirations to serving the interests of athletes on such IESF Athletes' Commission. having become MSSA's Athletes' Representative is the fiirst step in this long and arduous journey.

However, Amoné is convinced that service to South African athletes remains her first priority.

Athletes wishing to contact Amoné Bekker may do so via the Facebook group page set up for South Africa's athletes.

The position of MSSA's Players' Representative is up for election at the 2018 SA National Championships.

Jason Batzofin (second from the right) in Al Ain (UAE) at the Asian E-Sports Federation's General Assembly Meeting.

It should be noted that MSSA, created the position for Players' Representative on its committee in 2005. However, it was not until 2006 that MSSA found a player willing to take on such an important role.

The position of Players' Representative is not only a brilliant launching pad for the athlete who wants to become renown on a national level, but also for those who want to get ahead on an international level too.

Both Amanda (nee Kwaza) Pakade and Jason Batzofin have successfully used the position to reach for the stars and to advance themselves. Amanda Pakade is now MSSA president and Jason Batzofin is now the chairperson of IESF's Athletes' Commission.

In 2016, Jason was appointed by the International Esports Federation (IESF) to sit on its Athletes' Commission.

In 2017 IESF's Athletes Commission elected Jason to be the Chairperson of such Commission. As the Chairperson of the Athletes' Commission, Jason too sits on IESF's Board and represents the interests of all players/athletes directly to the very highest levels of esports.

The player's who have served as Players' Representative are as follows:

Years	Players’ Representatives	Club
2016 to present	Jason Batzofin	St John’s College
2010	Jonathan Newman	Maritzburg Griffins
2006 – 2008	Amanda Kwaza	University of Johannesburg

To be elected as the Players’ Representative to MSSA's Management Board, such player shall have Protea Colours, and shall have represented South Africa in an International Competition, and shall not be over 30 years of age at the time of such election.

However, it should be noted that the Players’ Representative is not be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by the member clubs, but instead is elected by Registered Players who are in standing and who are fully-paid-up. It shall be deemed that all Registered Players have been notified of the election should the member clubs have been timeously notified.

The election of the Players’ Representative shall be conducted in the following manner:

• All Registered Gamers who have senior Provincial, National, and Protea Colours may send in their vote on the prescribed voting form for their choice of candidate.
• The vote may be submitted either by facsimile or by e-mail.
• Such vote must reach the General Secretary by the close of business on or before two days prior to the AGM.

Thus, Registered Players have the opportunity of circumventing the existing system of elections to get their choice of Registered Player directly onto the Management Board.

Thus, every Registered Player has the ability to influence MSSA.

To be nominated for the position, players must contact mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com and request such form. The completed form must then be returned to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com by the end of business on or before 1 November 2018.

You want change? It is in your hands, take the opportunity.

Soweto's first esports club is accepted into membership: Ekasi Esports.

Ekasi Esports

The latest club to apply, and be accepted by Mind Sports South Africa into membership, is Ekasi Esports.

Ekasi Esports is the first accredited esports  club in Soweto.

The founders, and current club committee members, Gabriel Ramokotjo, Mpho Tladi, and Smilo Katlegob Gosa have big plans for the club.

The three are determined to see esports to become a viable alternative to other sports in Soweto, and are driven to bring the technological advantages associated with esports into Soweto in order to benefit the lives of all.

The club too intends  to become a hub in order to allow schools in Soweto to have access to MSSA's online championships.

Allied to the above ideals, the club too sees itself at the forefront of transformation, and is determined to ensure that esports becomes truly representative.

These are big ambitions for truly wonderful people.

MSSA will be there with them as the club turns its dreams into reality.

The enthusiastic committee of Ekasi Esports.

A brave new world!

Morizane Boyes representing SA in IeSF's 7th World Championships - Baku.

Members of MSSA's Management Board sat up to the wee hours of the mornin to check all the nominations that were submitted for the 2016 elections to be held at the Annual General Meeting on 4 December 2016.

Even though the 2016 elections have received a  record amount of  nominations for the Management Board, there are still four positions on such Board which are unopposed, being the position for the Card gaming representative, eSports Representative, General Secretary, and the Legal Advisor.

Obviously, everyone  is quite content with the performance of the incumbent officers.

The most encouraging aspect to the 2016 elections is that there are no fewer than seven women who are standing for positions.

The Management Board has 13 positions in total, so if all the women win their seats, MSSA could indeed have a different 'face', and would be the first mind sports body world-wide that would have true gender equity.

The full list of players standing for election for the Management Board are:

Position	Name	Club	Nominated by:
President	Morizane Boyes	BNKR Gaming	BNKR Gaming
	Colin Webster	Old Edwardian Wargames Club	Old Edwardian Wargames Club
Vice-President (Development)	Sheraaz Fox Nunnian	Esports East London	Masters of Mind Sports
	Thomas Brown	All Stars	Masters of Mind Sports
	Adele 'Nitebabe' Janse van Rensburg	VexxedPhoenix	Old Edwardian Wargames Club
	Jessie Joubert	Rondebosch Boys	Rondebosch Boys
	Leonard Loftus	Masters of Mind Sports	Fakkel School
Vice-President (Umpiring)	Leonard Loftus	Masters of Mind Sports	All Stars, Masters of Mind Sports, ECeSports
	Adele Nitebabe JansevanRensburg	VexxedPhoenix	Old Edwardian Wargames Club
	Jessie Joubert	Rondebosch Boys	Rondebosch Boys
Board gaming representative	Paula Loftus	Masters of Mind Sports	Masters of Mind Sports
	Joseph Matlhong	NWU Vaal Mind Sports	Masters of Mind Sports
Card gaming representative	Paula Loftus	Masters of Mind Sports	Fakkel School, All Stars
eSports representative	Ryan Boyes	BNKR Gaming	BNKR Gaming
General Secretary	Colin Webster	Old Edwardian Wargames Club	Old Edwardian Wargames Club
Women’s Desk	Paula Loftus	Masters of Mind Sports	Fakkel School
	Tania Transchel	All Stars	Masters of Mind Sports
	Blair Hamberger	Knights Mind Sports Club	Old Edwardian Wargames Club
National Schools Director	Gideon Jannasch	Fakkel School	Masters of Mind Sports
	Stephanie Craig	Jeppe Boys	Jeppe Boys
Legal Advisor	Carl Holliday	Pretoria Boys	Pretoria Boys
Representative for differently abled gamers	Khathutshelo Masheleni	Masters of Mind Sports	Masters of Mind Sports
	Twane Tollemache	BNKR Gaming	BNKR Gaming

MSSA elections: One of the hardest positions on the Board

Four previous eSports Representatives: (from left to right) Johann von Backström (2006 - 2008), Dr Ryan van den Bergh (2009 - 2011), David Webster (2012 - 2013), Ryan Boyes (2014 - 2016)

The eSports Representative is not only a member of the Management Board, but is also the Chairperson of the eSports Board of Control.

Having to run the eSports Board of Control is not  an easy task.

eSports is the fastest growing disciplines in MSSA with the largest number of clubs,and has, without doubt the most vociferous of Registered Players.

Often it means that the person holding the position has to fight long and hard at Management Board level to ensure that the gamer's rights are protected and enforced.

In fact it is through the eSports Representatives that many of the most profound changes have been introduced into MSSA.

All the eSports Representatives have come through a solid gaming background,and in terms of MSSA's  Constitution, have to if they wish to stand for the position.

Duties of the eSports representative are:

• To chair the eSports Board of Control,
• Ensure that the bye laws for the various titles are up-to-date,
• Ensure that rankings are produced,
• Produce a budget prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM),
• Represent the discipline of eSports on the Management Board,
• Liaise with IeSF, and
• Manage the National Team.

Through careful management on the part of the eSports Representative, MSSA has sent Protea Teams to international  events every year since 2005, and has attained the following IeSF ranking:

Year	Venue	Position
2015	Seoul -  South Korea	12th
2014	Baku -  Azerbaijan	13th
2013	Bucharest -  Romania	10th
2012	Cheonan -  South Korea	18th
2011	Andong -  South Korea	13th

Knowing the work that the position entails, it will indeed be interesting to see who stands for the position at the  2016 AGM.