Thursday, 13 July 2023

GLOBAL ESPORTS FEDERATION announces titles for Riyadh 2023

The 2023 Global Esports Games to be held in Riyadh promises to be the best of its kind.

Global Esports Federation (GEF) has announced the titles to be played at its spectacular event GEG23 to be held from 11-16 December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Regional qualifiers will be organized by GEF in an online format and it is through such qualifiers that the National Teams, as selected by the member National Federations, have a chance to compete in the Championships in Riyadh.

The number of qualifying teams/individuals per title are as follows:

Titles offered for GEG23

  • DOTA 2: 16 teams (8 Open, 8 Women)
  • PUBGM: 16 teams
  • eFootball 2023
  • Street Fighter 6

The minimum age of participation is 18 years old. As usual, all Member Federations and athletes are expected to uphold the values of the Global Esports Federation. Registered athletes must be in good standing with the relevant game publisher, without any suspensions, bans or pending issues.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) will enter a team into every title offered.

Mr. Colin Webster, MSSA President, stated, "GEF offers MSSA and all its Registered Players yet another opportunity to take to the international stage to both defend the honour of the nation and to make a name for themselves as athletes of note".

Additional reading:

Why good governance is essential in International, Continental, and National Esports Federations.

Delegates to the founding of bodies are often treated to lavish dinners, and privately receive cash payments, but all would do well to remember that "there is no such thing as a free lunch".

With two more African Esports Continental bodies being founded in 2023, bringing the number of African Continental Esports Federations up to 6, National Federations are being implored by Confederation of African Esports (CAES) President, Ms. Amanda Pakade, and CAES General Secretary, Colin Webster, to ensure that all new bodies show suitable compliance to Good Governance. Ms. Amanda Pakade stated, "Only while being absolutely vigilant and anal about enforcing Good Governance practices can Corruption be stamped out."

Corruption refers to dishonest or unethical conduct by individuals or organizations, typically involving the misuse of entrusted power or resources for personal gain. It involves acts such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, extortion, and abuse of power. Corruption can have significant impacts on organizations, including:

  1. Financial Loss: Corruption often leads to financial losses for organizations. Funds that should be allocated for legitimate purposes may be diverted, embezzled, or misappropriated, resulting in reduced resources for essential operations, projects, or services.


  2. Erosion of Trust: Corruption undermines trust in organizations. When stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors, perceive that corruption exists, they may lose confidence in the organization's integrity and credibility. This can damage relationships, tarnish the organization's reputation, and lead to a loss of business opportunities.

  3. Inefficiency and Ineffectiveness: Corruption hampers the efficient functioning of organizations. Decisions may be made based on personal interests rather than organizational goals, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Resources may be allocated inefficiently, contracts may be awarded unfairly, and merit-based systems may be compromised, resulting in reduced productivity and overall effectiveness.


  4. Unfair Competition: Corruption distorts competition within markets. When bribes or other illicit practices are used to gain unfair advantages, it creates an uneven playing field for businesses. Organizations that engage in corrupt practices may secure contracts or deals that they would not have won through fair means. This undermines competition, stifles innovation, and hinders economic growth.


  5. Legal and Reputational Risks: Engaging in corrupt activities exposes organizations to legal and regulatory risks. Corruption is illegal in most jurisdictions, and organizations involved in corrupt practices can face severe penalties, including fines, legal actions, and reputational damage. Legal consequences can lead to significant financial liabilities and even the dissolution of the organization.


  6. Negative Work Environment: Corruption can foster a toxic work environment within organizations. When corrupt practices become embedded in the organizational culture, it can lead to the normalization of unethical behavior, low employee morale, and a lack of commitment to organizational goals. This, in turn, can result in high turnover rates, difficulties in attracting talent, and a decline in overall productivity.

Addressing corruption requires strong ethical leadership, transparent processes, robust internal controls, and a commitment to integrity. Organizations that actively combat corruption can enhance their reputation, foster trust, and create a culture of ethics and compliance, leading to long-term sustainability and success.

Wednesday, 12 July 2023

MSSA's NWU Online School League to start on 31 July 2023.

MSSA's Online School League remains the richest official school league with a total of R65,000 in prizes.

Mind Sports South Africa's (MSSA)
 NWU Online School League shall begin on 31 July 2023. 

Learners who are being homeschooled may also participate, but such homeschool clubs must be affiliated to MSSA.

The prizes for MSSA's NWU Online School League are divided into three categories:

  • Overall purse prize being a bursary (courtesy of NWU to the value of R30,000.00 and R5,000.00 for the CS:GO, DotA 2, FIFA 2022, Mobile Legends Bang Banc, and Street Fighter V esports titles,
  • Prizes for the best female athletes, and
  • Best school award (R4,000.00).
Even though only six (6) of the eleven (11) titles carry the fabulous prizes as sponsored by North West University (NWU), it should be noted that that ALL titles offered do count towards:

  • Participation in National Team Trials, and
  • School Provincial Colours
  • Best school award

The distribution of prizes is as follows:

TitlePlatformage restr.PlayersPrize distributionFemale prize
Clash RoyaleMobile121 v 1R30,000.00 bursary to study at NWUR1,000.00
CS GOPC,165 v 5R5,000.00R1,000.00
DotA 2PC125 v 5R5,000.00R1,000.00
eFootball™Console *121 v 1R5,000.00R1,000.00
Mobile Legends Bang BangMobile125 v 5R5,000.00R1,000.00
Street Fighter VConsole *121 v 1R5,000.00R1,000.00

The other esports titles being offered are:

TitlePlatformage restrictionPlayers
Clash of ClansMobile121 v 1
FIFA ‘23Console *121 v 1
HearthStoneMobile121 v 1
League of LegendsPC125 v 5
Rocket LeaguePC121 v 1
Rocket LeaguePC123 v 3

*  All platforms must be compatible with PS5 for cross play.

In keeping with Mind Sport South Africa's policies re development programmes, entries are free and gratis to registered players who are unable to afford to enter such championships should the designated school official formally request assistance. Such applications must be directed to the MSSA at: e-mail: mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com 

Players who are registered with any affiliated school may participate.
  • Only a designated school official may enter a school team  consisting of at least one athlete.
  • Entry fees must be deposited directly into Mind Sports South Africa's account, held at ABSA Bank, account number, 90 4766 7676
  • Entries are R50.00 per player and photographs of all athletes must accompany such entry.
  • No entries shall be accepted without MSSA having received proof of payment.
  • The entry form may be downloaded and all all entries must be made of Excel from: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12rA4dXJWfO002fQgclVtVHR_AWZv8CPh6SzNo6worBI/edit#gid=287696184 and submitted to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com
  • Entries close on Sunday, 30 July 2022.
The following Medals may be awarded at MSSA's 2023 Annual Inter-School League:
  • HIGH SCHOOL (FEMALE): Medals shall be awarded to the first three high school scholars.
  • PRIMARY SCHOOL (FEMALE): Medals shall be awarded to the first three high school scholars.
  • HIGH SCHOOL (MALE): Medals shall be awarded to the first three high school scholars.
  • PRIMARY SCHOOL (MALE): Medals shall be awarded to the first three high school scholars.
Please note the medals shall be awarded at a MSSA offline event.

Colours and National Team Trials:
All Players who score within the top 50% in a specific Period at a Provincial Championship, and who also score within the top 50% at MSSA's 2019 Annual Inter-School League in the same period and in the same year, shall earn Provincial Colours.

It must be remembered that only schools affiliated to MSSA may participate in the 2023 NWU Online Schools League.

For further information, please contact mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com, or WhatsApp 078 069 3089.

Shout casting:
  • The MSSA shall decide who may shout-cast the games.
  • Anybody wishing to be appointed as a Shout-Caster must apply in writing to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com 

Additional reading:

Wednesday, 28 June 2023

The poisoned tree.

When setting up an organization, care must be taken from the start to ensure that proper procedure and transparency is in place.

The concept of a "poison tree" when constituting a new organization refers to the idea that if a foundational element or principle of an organization is flawed or corrupt, it can have negative consequences that permeate throughout the entire organization. This concept is often used to emphasize the importance of establishing a solid and ethical foundation when building a new organization.

Just as a poisonous tree can contaminate the soil and affect the health of the entire tree, a flawed or unethical principle within an organization can spread and negatively impact various aspects of its operations. This can include detrimental effects on the organizational culture, employee morale, decision-making processes, relationships with stakeholders, and overall effectiveness and success.

Therefore, it is crucial for those involved in constituting a new organization to carefully consider and establish core values, principles, and practices that promote integrity, transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct. By ensuring a strong and positive foundation, organizations can increase the likelihood of long-term success, sustainability, and positive impact in their respective industries or communities.

Examples of actions that can contribute to a poison tree scenario in a new organization include:

  1. Lack of ethical guidelines: Failing to establish clear ethical guidelines and principles can lead to unethical behavior among employees, potentially resulting in corruption, conflicts of interest, or disregard for laws and regulations.


  2. Toxic leadership: Allowing toxic or unethical individuals to hold leadership positions can set a negative tone for the organization, resulting in a toxic work environment, high turnover rates, and damage to the organization's reputation.


  3. Poor governance and accountability: Inadequate systems for governance, oversight, and accountability can create an environment where dishonesty, fraud, or misuse of resources can occur without consequences, undermining the organization's credibility and sustainability.


  4. Discrimination and bias: Ignoring or tolerating discrimination, bias, or unequal treatment within the organization can foster a toxic culture, demoralize employees, and hinder the organization's ability to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

To prevent the poison tree scenario, it is important to:

  • establish a strong ethical framework, prioritize transparency and accountability,
  • promote a positive organizational culture, and
  • carefully consider the values and principles that will guide the organization's operations from its inception.
This foundation will help to ensure the organization's long-term success, positive impact, and sustainability.