Date: 2025/11/29
The South African Arbiters and Organisers Commission (AOC) is pleased to announce the co-option of three new members to strengthen its capacity and support the continued growth and professionalism of chess administration in South Africa.
Maria Smit – Treasurer
Maria brings a combination of strong financial expertise and longstanding commitment to chess. A lifelong player who competed in various SAJCC events and represented South Africa internationally, she is qualified as a Provincial Arbiter. With an Honours degree in Auditing and Accounting, and experience as an Associate General Accountant (SA), she has over seven years of auditing, accounting, and financial management experience.
Ethan Higham – Additional Member
Ethan has been involved in chess since childhood and became more active as an organiser and arbiter during his high school years. He recently earned his FIDE Arbiter title and continues to pursue opportunities for further qualification and international exposure. In addition to his arbitrating career, he works as a freelance full-stack developer and system administrator, assisting numerous chess organisations with modernising and streamlining their digital operations.
Israel “Eazy” Tshabadira – Additional Member
Eazy is a Senior Arbiter with more than a decade of experience, having begun arbitering in 2013. He currently serves as President of the West Rand Region in Gauteng and remains an active member of the Khutsong Chess Club. His extensive involvement in regional structures, coupled with his practical understanding of event operations, makes him a strong asset for the Development and Logistics portfolio.
Ethan will assume the role of the AOC’s Public Relations and Media Officer, while Israel will take responsibility for Development and Logistics. The AOC welcomes our new members to their new positions and looks forward to the leadership and commitment they will contribute to the commission and the wider South African chess community.
Best regards,
Ethan Higham
Public Relations & Media Officer