ADV. SEADIMO TLALE
Founding Chief Executive Officer
Seadimo Tlale is an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa
and a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates. She
holds an LL.B from the University of the Witwatersrand, and an
LL.M. from UCLA, where she specialised in Critical Race Studies.
She is an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellow, a Sonke Health
and Human Rights Fellow, and a recipient of the U Serve LA
Award (2021), for her outstanding contribution to social justice.
Seadimo was also recognised by Prof. Kimberle Crenshaw for
her exceptional contributions to racial justice.
Seadimo has previously clerked at the Constitutional Court of
South Africa and held research and advisory roles with the
African American Police Forum, the South African Human
Rights Commission, the United Nations, and the Centre for
Applied Legal Studies. Her practice is underpinned by a deep
commitment to intersectionality in both public interest, and
commercial litigation. Seadimo is also a former national
chess champion, and is the founder of Chess Kidding.
WIM TSHEPANG TLALE
Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer
Woman International Master (WIM) is the second highest title awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to professional female chess players. At just 13, Tshepang became the youngest South African — and the only Black woman in the country — to earn this title by ranking first in Africa for women in chess. By 17, she was already coaching university teams, including leading the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) women's team to second place nationally. She's since coached players of all ages across South Africa, Turkey and the USA. This experience inspired her to study Educational Psychology at BAU University in Turkey, followung her Bachelor of Arts at Wits University. of Technology (VUT) women's chess team that ranked second in the country that year. Since then she's coached numerous individuals and teams of diverse ages and skill levels in South Africa, Turkey and the USA. This informed her decision to study Educational Psychology at BAU university in Turkey, after completing her BA at Wits University.
Tshepang oversees operations at Chess Kidding and designs the curriculum and coaching materials that shape every learner's journey.
LERATO KADIAKA
Head Coach
Coach Lee is the current chairperson of the Wits Chess Club and a leading player who represents the university at inter-varsity tournaments and USSA championships. She captained the Wits Women’s team to silver at the 2023 USSA Chess Championships.
Lerato learned chess at 6 years old from her dad — and it quickly became her safe haven from life’s pressures. Now in her final year at the Wits School of Education, she leads our children's coaching programme with heart, insight, and humour.
TLHOLOHELO HLAELE
Events & Marketing Manager
Tlholohelo is the magic-maker behind every Chess Kidding event. With her signature flair and sharp organisation, she ensures each gathering is more memorable than the last.
An LL.B graduate of the University of Johannesburg, she blends legal precision with creative brilliance. Despite Seadimo’s tireless efforts to get her to play chess over their 22-year friendship, Tlholohelo’s connection to the game remains casual — but her belief in its impact is unwavering.
Now pursuing an LL.M, she’s committed to growing the Chess Kidding movement through dynamic events and outreach.