Hillcrest College wins BauHouse International Debate Championship
The BauHouse International School’s Debate and Speech Championships saw Birch Acres Secondary and Hillcrest College battle it out in a compelling final exploring the power of letting go versus holding on.
Schools from across South Africa and Zimbabwe showcased their debating and public speaking skills at the BauHouse International School’s Debate and Speech Championships.
In a thrilling junior debate novice final, South Africa’s Birch Acres Secondary School faced off against Zimbabwe’s Hillcrest College. Both teams delivered strong arguments, leaving judges with a tough decision.
The topic for the final was: ‘This house prefers the norm of letting go over holding on.’
ALSO READ: Birch Acres secondary school finishes as first runners-up in novice debate
Birch Acres, on the proposition side, argued that holding on to trauma is like emotional hoarding, trapping individuals in cycles of regret and stagnation.
They maintained that letting go fosters personal growth, mental relief, and faster healing, stressing that letting go does not mean forgetting but moving forward.
Hillcrest College, representing the opposition, countered that pain and trauma shape identity and can be a source of strength.
They argued that holding on empowers individuals to help others with similar experiences, fosters perseverance and resilience, and ensures that victims receive justice or proper acknowledgement.
According to the opposition, past hardships are essential for personal development, while letting go carries no guaranteed benefit.
Thulani Mashoeu, junior debate coach at Birch Acres, praised his team’s performance.
ALSO READ: Birch Acres secondary school finishes as first runners-up in novice debate
“The overall performance of team Birch Acres in the tournament exceeded my expectations. Reaching the novice debate finals is a remarkable achievement for a team that is less than two years old.
“Their progress is vital for building a school culture that competes and excels in debate and public speaking,” Mashoeu said.
He added that the club’s dedication and passion equip future leaders with essential skills to address societal and environmental issues.
The debate ultimately came down to whether personal well-being is best served by release or by learning from one’s struggles.
The judges sided with Hillcrest College’s vision of resilience through holding on, awarding them the championship title.
