Nobuntu Khotsholo was born in a small South African township called Mpophomeni in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Growing up, she was surrounded by poverty and hardship, but her tenacity and intellect shone through. From a young age, Nobuntu showed a gift for critical thinking and strategy, excelling in board games and puzzles. Her mother, a local librarian, encouraged her daughter’s love for learning. Every day after school, Nobuntu would make her way to the community library, where she devoured books on history, science, and philosophy.

Nobuntu Khotsholo’s heart was set on winning the prestigious national chess tournament. With steadfast determination, she vowed, “I really want to bring the trophy home to my school. I’m
going to put in countless hours of practice to achieve this goal.” However, little did she know that fate had different plans for her. The worst thing that could happen to her did happen – she fell ill with a severe flu just days before the tournament. Her heart sank as she grappled with the possibility of forfeiting her dream.

“How do I fix this? What can I do?” Nobuntu thought desperately. In a feverish state, Nobuntu Khotsholo stumbled upon an old article about a Russian chess master who purportedly recovered from about of influenza using an ancient herbal remedy known as “chaga tea.” Desperate, Nobuntu followed the recipe to a tee, brewing the bitter concoction and sipping it faithfully.

At first, it seemed like nothing was happening. The illness refused to budge. Then, on the night before the tournament, something miraculous happened. Nobuntu’s fever broke. Her mind was
sharp and her chess strategies as clear as a crystal.