Pretoria's Capital Craft was filled with joy and camaraderie as Mensa members gathered to celebrate the induction of new members during a special evening event. The gathering, which took place one week after the candidates successfully passed the eligibility test, provided an opportunity for both seasoned members and fresh faces to come together and enjoy a variety of beers, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation and friendship. As the evening progressed, the attendees reveled in each other's company, engaging in conversations that transcended conventional boundaries and reflecting the diverse range of intellectual interests that Mensa embodies.

        However, amidst the jubilant atmosphere, the gathering took a poignant turn when one of Mensa's esteemed members, Pieter van der Vyver, a long-standing and loyal member, shared that his father had passed away earlier in the month. Pieter's father, Johan David van der Vyver, was an iconic figure in the realm of human rights and a renowned anti-apartheid activist. He held the esteemed position of I.T. Cohen Professor of International Human Rights at Emory University School of Law. Even at the age of 89, he continued to dedicate himself fully to academia, remaining an active scholar and teacher throughout the spring of 2023. Every law student knows his name, since he is the author of South Africa's Family Law.

        Pieter's father was undeniably a giant in the legal academy. He leaves us with a lasting legacy of unwavering commitment to justice and equality. As the evening unfolded, Pieter shared a touching anecdote of his daughter receiving a birthday card and flowers from an American President at her birth, who happened to be a dear friend of the little girl's grandfather. The heartfelt story served as a reminder of the profound impact that Johan David van der Vyver had on both individuals and institutions, transcending borders, and forging meaningful connections. 

In the face of this loss, the Mensa community offers its unwavering strength and support to his son Pieter. On this particular occasion, the Mensa New Member's Evening was more than just a celebration of intelligence; it was a reminder that Mensa fosters a community of individuals who are there for one another, supporting each other through life's triumphs and tribulations.

In the spirit of inclusivity and intellectual growth, Mensa continues to provide a platform for exceptional minds to connect, inspire, and support each other. In the world of Mensa, brilliance goes beyond IQ scores and academic achievements. It lies in the ability to create a community where intelligence and compassion coexist harmoniously, where new members are welcomed with open arms, and where existing members stand by each other as a family.

 

The Pretoria chapter of Mensa International recently hosted a highly-anticipated chess tournament at the prestigious Pretoria High School Old Boys Club. The tournament featured ten exceptionally talented contestants, each of whom played nine thrilling games over the course of the event.

As the contestants strategized and made their moves, onlookers watched on in amazement, keeping track of the wins and losses over a glass of wine. The level of skill on display was truly remarkable, and it was clear that each contestant had countless hours of practice under the belt.

After nine rounds of intense competition, Kolver emerged as the winner of the tournament, having displayed a remarkable level of strategic thinking and tactical skill throughout. Kolver's victories were hard-fought, however, with several of his matches going down to the wire and requiring him to make some bold and decisive moves to come out on top.

One of the most interesting moments of the tournament came when Mike, who had arrived late after competing in another chess tournament, agreed to challenge Kolver for the title. Despite the intense pressure and the high stakes involved, Kolver maintained his composure and ultimately came out on top, cementing his status as the reigning champion of the Pretoria Mensa International Chess Tournament.

Overall, the tournament was a great success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of some of the best chess players in the area. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal and popularity of this timeless game, and it was clear that all those involved had a great time testing their skills against one another. We can only hope that future tournaments will be just as thrilling and exciting as this one was.