Empangeni to represent at national debate
PROVINCIAL debating champions from six local high schools will go on to represent KZN at the virtual South African National Schools Debating Championship, scheduled to take place in December.
The 14 champs, from the junior and senior KZN squads, received their half-colours, certificates and trophies at a prizegiving ceremony hosted at Old Mill High School last Saturday.
Luyanda Radebe from Qhakaza Secondary School was announced as the top speaker in the senior pool and she received her full colours.
The 14 pupils had successfully represented the Empangeni Debating League, held under the auspices of Calibrating Minds Society NPO, in May this year. The tournament was established the NPO in 2016 to advance academic excellence in Empangeni's rural high schools.
The debaters then progressed to represent the league at the KZN School Debating Association (KZNSDA) - which includes Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Phoenix leagues - in the Provincial Championships held in July and September.
Empangeni Debating League chairperson, Mzwakhe Xulu, said: ‘Our main aim is to help pupils develop their debating, public speaking, and leadership skills, and help them enhance independent critical thinking, research, and awareness of social issues around them.'
Top Speakers (Senior Pool)
1. Luyanda Radebe from Qhakaza High School
2. Ashleigh Smith from Aquadene Secondary School
3. Nontobeko Ntombela from Richem Secondary School
Top Speakers (Junior Pool)
1. Thandazile Biyela from Richem Secondary School
2. Olwethu Ngema from Birdswood Secondary School
3. Sphesihle Mzolo from Richem Secondary School
Empangeni Debating League results
Mkhombisi High School and Qhakaza Secondary School (tied)
Best senior team: Aquadene Secondary School
1st runner-up in the senior pool: Richem Secondary School
Best junior team: Richem Secondary School
1st runner up in the junior pool: Birdswood Secondary School
2nd runner-up in the junior pool: Mkhombisi High School.