The dark side of thunee: 'Aunty from Tongaat' speaks out after card game stabbing

AFTER a young man was tragically stabbed during a thunee game, Tongaat resident Chantal Naidu, popularly known as the ‘Aunty from Tongaat’  shares insights into the popular card game's cultural significance, its potential for conflict, and why it remains an important family tradition despite the risks.

Thunee, a beloved card game in South Africa's Indian community, is "not just a card game" but requires "skill, discipline and a mathematical mind," explained Naidu following the shocking violent incident over the popular pastime

She spoke passionately about the popular card game.

“A lot of people take this game very seriously. Many people join leagues and play sports. The Indian community invented this game of thunee. It is not just a card game. It requires skill, discipline and a mathematical mind,” she said.

Naidu described this recent incident as devastating and unnecessary.

“It is so heartbreaking to hear that a young man was so violently stabbed over a card game. That should have never happened at all. I did read the article which stated that he was playing with people known to him and that makes this story all the more heartbreaking and disappointing,” she said.

Naidu said that while thunee was often played socially among friends and family, it could become a source of tension when cheating or aggressive behaviour was involved.

“Lots of people cheat during this game. It causes a lot of fights. Cheaters and some people play very aggressively,” she added.

Despite these risks, Naidu said thunee plays an important and positive role in her own family life. 

“My family and I play thunee on a regular basis. We have taught all our children the game. It is an ideal pastime for us. We do not encourage cheating at all and would rather play fair games.”

She added that while her family had never experienced any conflict over the game, she had witnessed disputes elsewhere. 

“We have not ever had a fight at home but we have witnessed other people get into heated arguments and fights. When we play with friends or relatives we do not tolerate anyone who gets aggressive, abusive or cheats during the game,” Naidu added.

Naidu said she learnt to play the game after she married her husband, Rhyne. 

“Rhyne was the first of his male cousins to get married. Every time they came to visit they would play thunee for hours on end and I would feel left out. Rhyne taught me so that I could join in the fun,” she said.

For Naidu, the appeal of thunee lies in its mental challenge. 

“My family enjoys thunee because you have to use your mathematical skills and wit to win,” she said.

She offered advice to players, particularly those who struggled with losing. 

“Play the hand that you are dealt. The more you play, the better you will get at it. Many people take this game too seriously,” she said.

Naidu believes that those who are highly competitive should consider more structured environments. 

“If you are one of those people, join a league and play professionally in a controlled environment. Any sportsman knows that discipline is the key to success. At the end of the day, it is a card game. It should bring people together, not tear them apart,” said Naidu. 

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