On March 24, the Model United Nations debaters of Jeppe High School for Boys attended a commemorative human rights debate.
The debate was held at the historic Sharpeville Exhibition Centre and memorial and was hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs and Gauteng government.
The theme of the debate was “The Promotion and Protection of Human Rights by Non State Actors”.
Jeppe High School for Boys represented the country of Brazil, as well as the NGOs Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Grade 12 learner Nobhomela Jordan was awarded first place for best speaker.
Following his victory, Nobhomela now has the opportunity to job shadow at the South African Institute of International Affairs during the April school holiday.
Nobhomela has been involved in debating and public speaking since Grade 8 and has been part of the Model United Nations debating team since Grade 10.
He has always had an interest in the world around him, society and current affairs, and felt that joining the debating and public speaking teams would help him gain a better understanding of these aspects of life and his involvement in them.
“Debating and public speaking have given me a platform to develop a wider perspective and greater abilities when dealing with people from all walks of life,” he said.
Nobhomela is looking forward to studying international relations at the University of Cape Town, next year.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, consisting of team members Ashley Maritz (grade 12), Zakariyya Kayat (grade 10) and Wandile Mvulane (grade 8), placed second in best delegation.
