Pupils debate burning issues
Thought-provoking programme inspires, educates
STATUES, xenophobia, human rights and social media. These are just some of the issues Nelson Mandela Bay school pupils are discussing at a series of debates hosted by the South End Museum as part of its school holiday programme.
The pupils are given introductory lesson on the topics before being divided into groups where they discuss the topics. They are then expected to prepare a five-minute presentation on how to address the various issues.
In Tuesday’s session, Glory Benny, 16, of Cowan High School and Nolitha January, 18, of Paterson High School weighed in on the issue of human rights,.
Glory said: “Nelson Mandela once quoted that never and never again shall, in this beautiful nation, one be oppressed by another, but I still feel we are being oppressed because of the BEE policies in place.
“Why should I as a black person receive something a person of another race would not receive?”
Nolitha said: “I blame our leaders for all the problems facing our citizens, because when we attained freedom as a nation, we were promised all kinds of things.”
Kuhle Nqana, 19 of Kwazakhele High School, Shirmonique Maaka, 17, of Paterson High School and Vuyol- wethu Mhlaba, 17, of Cowan High School addressed the statue vandalism debacle that has gripped the country.
Kuhle blamed the vandalism of statues recently on “not having enough knowledge about the statues”.
Yesterday’s sessions focused on social media including Facebook and Twitter, with anthropology major Nabeela Khan stimulating a lively debate on the use of social media among the youth.
“I was impressed. They were very receptive,” she said.
Kwazakhele High School pupil Lebohang Tolwane, 18, said: “I learnt a lot at the lecture on social media. However, I learnt people spread propaganda and cause drama.”
Sabrina Olivera, 18, of Alexander Road High School said: “I think Generation Z is more technologically-minded. This generation will evolve with social media and become more efficient with it.”
Busisiwe Anda, 13, of Newell High School said: “It’s ironic that they go on about all these negative aspects of social media yet they all use it.”
Newell High School teacher Ntombizandile Ndzube said social media had affected pupils’ creativity negatively.
“When they write they use shorthand, and they don’t read which leads to them not being able to study.”
Today’s session will focus on morals and values.